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Translated ^ E-lise L.Latbrop. 
with Photogravure Illustrations 

^ev/SoRK . 

VORTHINGTOH C0.7A7Dr0ADWAY 


January, 1 892, 






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V 

THE AKT OF THE MODISTE HAS ALMOST MAGICALLY REMOVED ALL SIMILARITY TO 

THE WILD ROSE OF GROSS-STAUFFEN. 


p. J iS 


J 


V 


THE 


WILD ROSE 


OF 


GROSS-STAUFFEN 


BY 


/ 


NATALY VON ESCHSTRUTH 

1 


Translated by Blise L. Lathrop 


ILLUSTRATED 



WORTHINGTON COMPANY 

747 Broa dway 
1892 


V- 




Copyright, 1892, by 

WORTHINGTON CO. 


Press of J. J. Little & Co, 
Astor Place, New York 





THE WILD ROSE. 


L 

Broad fields of waving wheat, meadows covered with red 
flowers, and dark brown plains, bounded and interspersed by 
endless pine woods, as melancholy as the sky which arched 
above, a dull, rainy gray, or cloudless, radiant, summer blue, 
with far-distant, faint horizon — who does not know it, this 
peculiar northern landscape, so poor in gay, attractive vari- 
ety, and yet of such a magical, tearful, smiling poesy ? No 
mountain peaks, no picturesque cliffs rise toward the sky. 
The gaze wanders for miles over the plains, stretching out 
flat andfdesolate, inexpressive as a sleeping face. But there, 
far away, at the edge of the wood, something shines and 
sparkles like a trembling silver ribbon. There the winding 
river spreads itself out wider and wider before our eyes. It 
is a reed-bordered lake, which, concealed between wood 
and meadow, murmurs its dreamy song of longing. 

It was June. The roses bloomed. The air seemed to 
quiver, jt was so hot and clear ; and if the wind tried to 
move his lazy wings, he only raised clouds of heavy fra- 
grance, whose sweet breath intoxicated him, so that he sank 
down helplessly in the linden blossoms, and stirred no more. 

Along a little brook, running between broad fields of 
clover and potatoes, walked a young girl. A garden hat of 


2 


The Wild Rose, 


coarse straw, with a faded ribbon band as its sole ungraceful 
adornment, shaded eyes and brow, and rested carelessly on 
the small head, from which two magnificent, heavy, golden 
braids, somewhat dishevelled and untidy, hung over her 
back. A plain cotton gown, stiffly starched and rustling, 
concealed the dainty figure, failing down to the tops of two 
stout, heavy leather shoes, which left deep nail-prints in the 
loose sand. One sun-burned hand held a large piece of 
bread and butter to her mouth, slowly and with evident 
enjoyment, by turns with delicious cherries, which rested in 
a large cabbage leaf, carefully held on her curved arm. 
Now and then the young girl paused, looked thoughtfully 
at the clover, and with the broad tips of her shoes pushed 
the green leaves apart, for a long time in vain. At last she 
bent hastily forward, so zealously that the cherries rolled 
over her hand upon the ground, and so interested that she 
did not notice the fugitives. “A four-leaf clover, at last! ” 
came joyously from her lips. ‘‘ Now, Mr. Friedel — now 
open your eyes ! Am I always unlucky ? Here I have it, 
the good fortune ; and when I have showed it to you I will 
eat it. Greta says one must do that if it is to really bring 
one good fortune.’’ 

Holding the piece of bread between her teeth, the speaker 
carefully felt in the pocket of her voluminous gown, glanced 
quickly behind her, and then drew out a little book in old- 
fashioned binding ; for a moment she held it thoughtfully 
between her fingers. H’m, I will open it and see what 
luck this clover leaf brings me,” she pondered, with a 
charmingly important expression, slowly opened the book, 
and glanced breathlessly at the printing under her thumb. 

“ ‘ Once a boy a wild rose spied ’ ” she read solemnly, 

with a tone and emphasis which would have done honor to 
Hamlet — read it dutifully through to the end, and sighed 
deeply. “ But alas ! ‘ ’twas vain to mourn.’ What a fortune 


c 


2'he IVi/d Rose. 


3 


that is ! This poem is nonsense ; whom is it really by ? 
Aha, Goethe ! then it is something beautiful, only perhaps 
I do not understand it,” was the murmur with her mouth 
full of bread, and the young lady laid the four-leaf clover 
carefully between the pages of Goethe’s poem, and buried 
the book in the depths of her dress pocket. 

She walked on more hastily, broke a slender willow switch 
from the edge of the brook, and wantonly beheaded the 
white milfoils which grew luxuriantly at the edge of the 
field. The red lips puckered in the vain attempt to whistle 
Gaudeamus igitur,” while her thoughts wandered to Pas- 
tor Friedel, who was inseparable in her mind from this 
song. The path now turned aside from the brook to a 
large meadow, fragrant with new-cut hay piled up in high 
heaps there, and was crossed by the sandy road, bounded 
on the other side by tall pine trees. 

On the grassy edge of this road sat Barbel, the little 
gooseherd. The sun shed a golden light upon her nut- 
brown hair, which was fastened in a dishevelled knot stand- 
ing out from her head — shone upon the burned neck, and 
work-hardened hands in which the face was hidden, while 
large tears trickled between the fingers. 

‘‘Oh, Barbel, what are you crying about?” a voice sud- 
denly cried beside her, and a little tap of the switch on the 
bowed head made the child look up in affright. “ Has any- 
one done anything to you ? ” 

Barbel stared dully out of red, tearful eyes, sighed 
deeply, and shook her head sadly. “ Ah no, miss ! No one 
has done anything to me, but I can’t help crying ! ” 

“ Stupid girl ! how can you be so silly ? ” was the reply, 
full of well-meant consolation. “ Are you trying to get up 
a rain-storm ? Tell me at once what is the matter.” 

Barbel rubbed the backs of her hands convulsively over 
her face. “ Ah, miss ! my poor mother ” 


4 


The Wild Rose. 


Heavens ! what is the matter with her?” 

She has been sick in bed for several days, and has 
fever, the doctor says. And my little sisters and brother 
haven’t any one to look after them, and there isn’t anybody 
to wait on mother ! ” came sobbingly from Barbel’s lips. 

Oh, I do want to be there so ! ” 

Foolish girl, why don’t you go, instead of sitting 
there ?” was the unmistakably violent answer. “ Go home 
at once ! ” 

Oh, I should like to go so much, but the geese ! ” And 
Barbel glanced despairingly at her cackling subjects. I 
must watch that old gander. Miss Josephine.” 

Miss Josephine looked somewhat taken aback. 

‘^You are right, what can be done ? Have you anyone 
who can take your place ? ” 

Barbel shook her head disconsolately. “ There isn’t any 
one ! ” and again the tears burst forth. Oh, if I could 
only go and see her for a moment ! ” 

Then Miss Josephine drew herself up resolutely, tapped 
Barbel on the back with the willow switch to conceal her 
emotion, and said shortly : Hurry up, goosey, and run 

home. I have two hours recess, and I will stay with the 
geese.” 

^‘^O my dear lady ! O Miss Josephine ! ” cried the little 
gooseherd joyously, in the midst of her sobs. ‘‘You will 
stay with the geese ? God bless you ! ” and she sprang up 
quickly, handed Josephine the token of her power, the 
long hazel-nut stick, and shook the hay from her little 
patched frock. “ I will hurry — but, dear lady, be very care- 
ful that the geese don’t get in the grain or at the potatoes, 
or I don’t know what will happen to me ! ” And before 
her successor could answer. Barbel ran happily and like a 
deer over meadow and field to the village near by. 

For a moment Josephine stood in perplexed embarrass- 


The Wild Rose. 


5 


ment. Around her cackled and waddled the Capitolian 
birds, greeting with loud orations their new mistress, who 
made it her first duty to set the hazel stick in motion upon 
the feather coat of the revolutionary gander, until he, the 
only rebel, also recognized the energetic rule of the suc- 
cessor to the throne, and, softly cackling, withdrew to the 
nettles of the roadside ditch. 

The young lady watched her proteges attentively ; every 
motion was severely observed to see whether it betokened 
on the part of the feathered subjects a desire for grain or 
potatoes ; but, thanks to Barbel’s excellent training, not a 
goose attempted to cross the proscribed territory. The sun 
shone hotly, and Josephine began to grow weary. With her 
strong arms she piled up the hay in the shadow of a moun- 
tain-ash tree which, with many other leafy colleagues, bor- 
dered the side of the road opposite the woods ; prepared 
for herself a throne, which, if not exactly majestic, yet was 
very fragrant, and, with a sigh of relief, drew the broad hat 
from her head, and with true princely ingratitude, threw it 
into the bottom of the ditch. The bright sunshine bathed 
the girl’s charming little face. Roguishness and petulance 
sparkled in the dark-blue childish eyes, under long curling 
black lashes, which opened wide in naive, curious, inquiring 
astonishment, and shyly veiled their gaze from pure good- 
ness, like the chaste flower which closes its leaves at :the 
touch, so as not to show how rich and beautiful it is. Child 
and maiden strove for predominance in this glance. Now 
it rested thoughtfully upon the fresh-washed cotton gown, 
the despair of Aunt Renate, which must be worn a week, 
coute que coute ! I shall crumple it dreadfully,” pondered 
her little goose majesty, “and perhaps stain it from the 
grass. Besides, it is as stiff and uncomfortable as a board. 
There is not a soul near, and it is seldom that people come 
along the road, and then they are day laborers from Gross- 


6 


The Wild Rose. 


Stauffen, or Jette the milkmaid. Who else would lose him- 
self in this solitude ? ” And not even thinking of the possi- 
bility of meeting a civilized being, Josephine hastily took off 
the blue gown, and carried it aside behind the alder bush, 
where it hung like a balloon on the lower branch above the 
ground. Then she threw herself down in the hay with the 
greatest joy. 

For several moments she crossed her arms beneath her 
head in dolce far 7iiente^ and, with half- closed eyes, watched 
Barbel’s active flock ; but then she wearied of this, sprang 
up, fetched Goethe’s poems from the dress pocket, and with 
unshaken confidence in the geese’s good behavior, left them 
to their fate. Stretched out at full length, with her back to 
the sky and both elbows resting on the hay, she propped her 
head in her hands, and, without looking to right or left, be- 
came completely absorbed in the magic rhythm of Goethe’s 
poems. At first she found time to thoughtlessly crush the 
juicy blades of grass between her teeth, but as she turned 
page after page, and her eyes grew larger and larger and 
more comprehending as the poems were perused (not accord- 
ing to quality, but quantity), the pearly little teeth were 
motionless and their owner found such abundance of mental 
nourishment that vegetarian enjoyments were easily re- 
nounced. But the sun v/as high in the heavens, and shed 
scattered rays upon the girl’s tumbled, curly, blonde hair. 
Barbel’s gray cloak, her protection against rain and storm, 
Josephine had prudently Avrapped over her undergarments, 
and only the hob-nailed shoes peeped out like small mon- 
sters from the coarse folds, tapping the ground lightly in 
time with the rhythm of the poems. So the future heiress 
of many thousands. Baroness Josephine Wetter von Stauffen- 
berg, Avatched geese at the edge of the higliAvay. 

Along that part of the road which leads for hours through 
monotonous forests of pungent pines and firs, so close together 


llie Wild Rose. 


7 


and bushy that they rise on each side like high green walls, 
or becoming thinner, like slender palms, from whose knotty 
heads the pine needles depend picturesquely like beards, two 
riders trot slowly through the foot-deep sand. Conversation 
had for the moment ceased ; the last thunder-storm had 
washed down a considerable portion of the wall of loose 
sand, and the passers were obliged to pursue this portion of 
their way in single file. 

To the devil with this God-forsaken desert ! grumbled 
the younger of the two men, restraining his elegant dun 
horse so as to remain behind his companion. Would any 
one consider such a condition of affairs possible in the 
nineteenth century ? One would break a leg or his neck 
here at night. Stop, Golden Dream, stop ! ” 

The speaker was a strikingly handsome man, his move- 
ments those of a perfect cavalier. Tall and slight, with 
that easy and graceful sureness in the saddle which betrays 
at first sight the sportsman, and which in this perfection is 
peculiar only to the cavalry officer, he was the personifi- 
cation of careless, laughing gayety. Dark, flaming eyes, 
with an expression of Veni, vidi., vici., told a haughty tale of 
triumphs, to which the mocking expression about the mouth, 
and the full lips parting to show dazzling teeth, added the 
old and yet ever new drama of broken hearts. Potcr 
passer le te7nps ! was his unconscionable refrain. A small, 
dark mustache corresponded with his hair, which in curly 
abundance and carefully arranged framed his brow. His 
civilian dress was not dandified, but chosen with taste and 
great care. 

Quite different was his companion. Of broad, square 
figure, and somewhat awkward movements, with a round, 
fresh-colored face from which looked two bright blue, in- 
describably true-hearted eyes, and with yellow beard and 
hair, there could not easily be found a greater contrast 


8 


The Wild Rose. 


than between him and his comrade. He turned his head 
and laughed. ‘‘ One sees how spoiled you are, Gunther, 
how few barriers you have until now met with in your life 
except in steeplechase. Thank the gods for these sand- 
heaps, and take them with your usual good-nature ; they 
prevent the second edition of a Polykrates tragedy.” 

My father looked out for that when he placed my cradle 
upon the most sterile, tiresome sand-bank in the whole Ger- 
man empire,” was the grumbling answer, where he now 
spoils the best weeks of my furlough by wishing me to play 
the role of a modern Robinson Crusoe upon my own soil. 
Mille diables ! I was not at all curious as to affairs here, and 
should really not have died in Heligoland of longing for 
the castle of my ancestors ; but the governor would not have 
it otherwise — I must rusticate here in the proud feeling of a 
landed proprietor ! ” 

Are you then really here for the first time, Friend For- 
tunatus ? Incomprehensible ! I find your home charming, 
an idyl full of peace and rest, which refreshes me like a 
drink of spring water after long, burning thirst, in the midst 
of the suffocating dust of the capital ! ” 

‘^Yes, that is just you again, my good Hattenheim ! 
Spring water, black bread, and a hut in which there is room 
for a happy, loving couple — those are the high requirements of 
your taste ! ” laughed Gunther, full of good-natured mockery. 

Had I not known what a touchingly satisfied fellow is 
concealed beneath your flaxen wig, I should never have 
ventured my invitation to Lehrbach. Thank God that you 
are here, my boy ; without you. Prince Fortunatus would 
already have become a pronounced hypochondriac. But it 
is a fact that now for the first time, at least with my full 
consciousness, I come home to Castle Lehrbach. You see, 
Hattenheim, it happened so : Until my .seventh year my 
parents passed every summer on their estate here, and only 


The Wild Rose. 


9 


moved to the capital permanently after my father’s rapid 
advancement, when mamma, at that time a great sufferer, 
was obliged to visit water cures instead of Lehrbach. The 
estates were leased, mamma died, and my father rose so 
high in office and favor with the Prince, that he had neither 
time nor thought for his estate. If you are ever minister, 
dear Reimar, you will understand that. Naturally P also 
had something more to do than kill moths down here, and 
so it came that even my childish recollections — even of 
my moss hut in the park — faded out of my mind.” 

^‘And now? His Excellency the Minister, together with 
his son, voluntarily incarcerates himself for four weeks here 
in the dungeons of Lehrbach?” Over Hattenheim’s fresh 
face passed the comfortable smile which was customary with 
him after an intended witticism. 

“ ^ Dungeon ’ is good ! ” laughed Gunther, “ but ‘volun- 
tarily ’ is a mistake. Fatty. My readiness at least was ob- 
ligatory — and my father ? The yearly rents are infamous 
tyrants which rouse even an Excellency from his apathy. 
Our lease contract had expired, and new agreements re- 
quired an accurate knowledge of affairs, therefore the cry 
was, ‘To horse ! ’ But the old count and lord of Lehrbach 
feared solitude and ennui., therefore he commanded his son 
Gunther, count and lord of Lehrbach’s personal service ; 
and as the latter suspected storm and unpleasant weather, 
he provided himself betimes with a lightning-rod, which 
here trots before him, broad and well-cared-for, upon his 
charger — no harm meant, my dear Hattenheim ! You are 
this necessary evil ! ” 

At the last words. Count Gunther brought his hunter. 
Golden Dream, to the side of his friend, as the road now 
lay broad and free before them. 

Reimar von Hattenheim glanced almost tenderly at his 
comrade’s handsome face, whose merry laugh, eveji at the 


lO 


The Wild Rose, 


cost of xvHattenheim’s often-ridiculed personality, was the 
sunshine of his solitary life. 

Both young men belonged to a regiment of hussars sta- 
tioned in the capital, lived opposite each other, and were 
even somewhat related through father Adam and a married 
cousin. Hattenheim, early left an orphan, and thrown 
much upon his own resources, quiet and modest, rendered 
reserved by many bitter experiences, had slowly, very slowly, 
but so much the more surely, become Lehrbach’s friend. 
Extremes touch. As different as the two characters were 
the motives of friendship which passed through various 
phases at first, before it became the honest, sincere relation 
of unrestrained confidence on both sides. Lehrbach, 
spoiled by sunshine and good fortune, and of a somewhat 
superficial nature, was egotistical and calculating, although 
only in relation to his personality and supremacy over hearts 
and parquets. His last morsel of bread, perhaps even his 
property, he would thoughtlessly have shared with Hatten- 
heim and many others of his comrades ; but the favor of 
women, and the place won in hot combat as lion of the day, 
as enfant cheri of the capital, he shared with no one, not 
even with the brave Hattenheim. His jealous vanity had 
been the first egotistic cause of his advances to Reimar. It 
was a strange and striking fact that almost all of Gunther’s 
comrades were great social favorites, either because of their 
attractive appearance or their manifold talents, which made 
them welcome guests everywhere. 

That Count Vroneck is enough to drive one mad,” 
Lehrbach had often cried with flushed face. There the 
fellow stands and sings — bah ! nonsense ; I should say 
growls ! — a few sentimental songs, and the mothers and 
daughters roll up their eyes, and if possible, invite him, quite 
en fajnille^ for a little music. It is the same with Brocks- 
dorff, Reuenstein and Clodwig ! Why ? Because they play 


The Wild Rose. 


II 


the violin, or piano, or some other instrument — but how ? 
Terribly, so that it gives me a pain ; and in spite of that the 
ladies fairly rave over them — nothing but soirees and music ! 
While the rest of us adorn the wall, and melt away like 
butter in the sun ! ” 

When Hattenheim was transferred to D , Lehrbach 

immediately grasped his cousin and comrade by the arm 
and took him for a long walk. Then Hattenheim was put 
through a catechism. 

^‘Tell me, old fellow, do you play the piano or violin — 
or even the banjo ? ” asked Lehrbach, distrustfully. 

Hattenheim shook his straw-colored head in astonish- 
ment. No, my dear cousin. I only play whist and poker.” 

“ Famous ! Very good in you — but do you sing, or write 
poems, perchance ? I detest lyric verse — fairly detest it, I 
tell you. Our good Reuenstein writes poems with furious 
enthusiasm. Their poor Highnesses, especially Princess 
Sylvie, are fairly overwhelmed by these step-children of 
Eratos, by the dozen, and each under a different name ; 
— for instance, ‘sonnets,’ or ‘ballads,’ or ‘ distichs,’ or 
whatever names the fellow can think of. In a word, it is 
laughable ; he only injures himself by it ! But — pardon — 
perhaps you write poems yourself ? ” 

An almost horrified glance met him from Reimar’s bright 
blue eyes. “Never — never ! I have absolutely no skill in 
that line. Besides, I was treated in a very stepmotherly 
fashion by nature. I possess no striking talent ; but I love 
and honor art.” 

“ Naturally ; so do I, cousin. I paint — so they say — 
quite passably ! But, the deuce ! how does that help me in 
the drawing-room ? One cannot arrange a portraiture even- 
ing. So you have no talent ? H’m — it is of no conse- 
quence, my dear Hattenheim. It would indeed be fearful 
if only geniuses were born ! A propos^ you will have supper 


12 


The Wild Rose. 


with me this evening, naturally. Relatives must not stand 
on ceremony. Papa has an excellent wine cellar — allons 
done!'' One more glance at his cousin’s face and figure, 
which conveyed not the slightest impression of a dangerous 
rival, and Lehrbach’s heart rejoiced. Eureka ! This is 
my man ! This is the foil which I need. This is a friend 
whom Lady Fortune, my lofty patroness, has made specially 
for me ! ” 

And from that hour he met his cousin with such warmth, 
at first feigned, but soon genuine, that almost unconsciously 
an intimacy sprang up between the two -which soon became 
a firm and lasting friendship, and had an excellent influence 
over Lehrbach. In his unpretentious friend, so wholly over- 
looked in society, he learned to know a character so faith- 
ful and unselfish, so truly chivalrous and upright, that he 
sought him no longer from egoism, but because he honored 
and liked him. And Hattenheim ? The hearty advances 
of his considerably younger cousin did the shy, lonely man 
good. The many hints concerning court life, the new and 
unfamiliar circumstances, the eager readiness to introduce 
him to the most influential and popular families, put him 
under obligations, and filled him with deep gratitude. To 
this was joined a deep admiration for the popular, much- 
courted man, whose beauty and brilliant talent of making 
the most of it in the social routine, made him seem the ideal 
of a cavalier. He also recognized in his sincere love for all 
that is called art Gunther’s really great talent. He handled 
the pencil and brush with ease, and with a few strokes made 
such a speaking likeness that even unpractised eyes were 
astonished. But Lehrbach neglected his studies because 
this gift was so thankless, and unavailable in a drawing- 
room except for decoration. Only after long and urgent 
requests from Reimar did he resolve to improve his talent 
by excellent instruction, and now might thank his friend 


The Wild Rose. 


13 


for many triumphs of which formerly he could not have 
dreamed. Had not the bold and amusing caricatures which 
he had scratched on the dance cards brought him the first 
cotillion favor from Princess Sylvie ? 

Far from seeking the slightest share in this, Hattenheim’s 
unselfish soul rejoiced with almost paternal love at his 
favorite’s success. He was as radiant with pride and de- 
light as if it was his own and not Gunther’s, and touchingly 
good-humored when in a capricious mood his friend directed 
the arrows of his wit upon even him. 

^‘Tell me, Fatty,” Lehrbach asked one morning after a 
ball, as he rode at his friend’s side under the windows of the 
left wing of the castle. I have never met such a queer 
fellow as you before. Why do you not dance } Are you 
afraid of harming your excellently prospering e7}ibo7ipoint ; 
or are you studying to be an old bachelor ? ” 

‘‘ Neither, old fellow. I only do not wish to come 
in your way.” Hattenheim smiled, and with his whip' 
knocked a dry leaf from the low-hanging boughs of a chest- 
nut tree. 

Betise ! you cannot put me off with this excuse. Hand 
on your heart, Reinz, does it beat for no one ? ” 

Alas, not as yet ! I have sought my ideal for five years, 
and have not yet found it. I probably came into the world 
at the wrong time. Never mind. I do not miss it, and 
submit to my fate.” 

Lehrbach stared at the speaker’s face with a distrustful 
air ; then, as, with a sudden melancholy sigh, Hattenheim’s 
head sank on his chest, he said, Hattenheim, I desire 
frankness from you ! Is it perhaps one and the same whom 
we ” 

A laugh interrupted him. No, on my word ; no, cousin. 
Here is my hand upon it. Our tastes differ widely. Since 
my youth I have been solitary, not accustomed to women ; 


The Wild Rose. 


14 


therefore I perhaps demand impossibilities. But as yet I 
am wholly fancy free.’’ 

I believe you. But one thing more, Reimar ; if you ever 
believe that you have found the right one ” 

“ I will come to you and ask your permission to love her,” 
the young officer interrupted him gayly, evidently revelling 
in the suspicion which he noticed in Lehrbach’s eyes ; but 
until then let us drop the subject.” 

I’he two men rode silently side by side. The sound of 
the horses’ hoofs was muffled by the deep sand ; there was 
not a soul in sight ; it was a wearisome, lonely road which 
led from Castle Lehrbach to Gross-Stauffen. 

Hattenheim had bowed his head, sunk in thought, and 
stared mechanically at the brilliant back of his horse, when 
suddenly his arm was grasped, and Gunther’s voice whis- 
pered in his ear : Stop, Reinz ! ” 

Reinz started, and gazed at his comrade in surprise ; but 
before he could open his lips to question, Lehrbach con- 
tinued in a whisper : ‘‘‘ Pst ! A charming picture. Fatty — 
a famous idyl ! ” 

Hattenheim drew rein, and gazed in the direction of his 
comrade’s finger, which pointed to the edge of the road, 
close before them. 

There, in peaceful harmony in the brilliant sunshine, a 
flock of geese grazed among clover and gay flowers, while 
somewhat aside, on a pile of hay, their keeper, her golden 
head rested in her hands, seemed so absorbed in the contents 
of a little book that she had not noticed the strangers’ 
approach. Her charming profile was turned toward the 
riders, and stood out in soft, pure outline from the shady 
background. 

A famous idyl ! ” whispered Lehrbach, without turning 
his eyes from the blonde girlish head. A rural study 


The Wild Rose, 


15 


which cannot be surpassed. I promised Princess Sylvie 
tokens of my industry. Lehrbach views and people — her 
little Highness takes a strange interest in them. Heavens, 
what a sweet face ! ^ Gooseherd Liesel ' shall head the 

list, Hattenheim. The devil! Did you ever see a more 
charming model ?” 

Lehrbach drew his elegant sketch-book quickly from his 
breast pocket and hurriedly inspected the point of his pen- 
cil. Pray hold my horse for a moment, Fatty. I will go 
a little nearer, before my rustic beauty has finished studying 
her catechism. She is probably learning the ten command- 
ments for the parson.” And the young officer, as noiselessly 
as possible, swung himself from his saddle, threw the reins 
to Haltenheim, and carefully advanced through the soft 
sand to the nearest pile of stones, upon which, not without 
reluctance, he seated himself, and, with book on his knees, 
began rapidly to sketch. 

His unsuspecting model remained delightfully motionless. 
The pages were turned quickly and without changing her 
position, and if her little hand moved here and there to 
push back a stray curl from her forehead, this did not in 
the slightest hinder the young artist from making a charm- 
ingly natural even if slightly caricatured portrait, for the 
much-patched cloak which enshrouded her figure, and the 
coarse hob-nailed shoes, stood out with droll fidelity, and 
several of the feathered subjects were grouped in ridiculous 
poses around their young mistress. 

After a short time, Gunther looked down upon the com- 
pleted sketch with a most amused smile, wrote beneath it 
in a firm, bold writing, Gooseherd Liesel ” and the date, 
and then compared copy and original with careful scrutiny. 
‘‘What a pity that her eyes are lowered!” he thought. 
“Much beauty is lost by that. Beauty? Naturally, to 
such a charming face belongs a pair of remarkable eyes. 


i6 


The Wild Rose, 


large, laughing — blue, of course, to correspond with the 
blonde head. The dickens ! If the little wTetch would 
only look up ! ” 

But Gooseherd Liesel ” did not look up, and the young 
officer rose, returned as noiselessly as he had come to his 
horse, and handed Hattenheim the sketch. 

“Here we have it,” he laughed, softly. “A kidnapping, 
so secret that even the principal person has no suspicion of 
it. Well ? Criticise, sir ! I await your decisive judgment, 
dear Fatty ! ” With a glance in which petulance and a 
slight self-satisfaction strove for mastery, he looked up at 
his friend, and awaiting an answer, and holding the reins in 
his hand, Lehrbach leaned against his horse. 

With a long, almost unusually serious gaze, Hattenheim 
surveyed the little picture in his hand. His eyes flashed 
over to the reader on the hay, and then were lowered to the 
drawing again, while a gentle smile irradiated his features. 

“Wonderful!” he murmured, and nodded thoughtfully. 
“A charming face, and an excellent drawing. It seems to 
me that you have not caught a likeness so successfully for 
a long time, and yet there are only a few lines, and the 
eyes are lowered ! Thanks, Giinther, you are a bright fel- 
low ! ” and he glanced once more at the paper, and handed 
Lehrbach the book. The latter closed it and put it in his 
pocket. 

“Yes, unfortunately the eyes are lowered!” said he, 
swinging himself into his saddle with elastic ease. “ But 
only on paper ; in reality she shall at once unveil to us the 
blue heavens of her soul ! Neatly expressed, eh ? but it is 
not original. Forward, now ! ” and a slight flip of the reins 
made the horse start on again. 

Hattenheim followed almost mechanically, remaining 
slightly behind his comrade, who hurried on close to the 
edge of the road. The hoof-beats were still muffied by the 


The Wild Rose. 


17 


sand. Lehrbach drew the corn-flower from his button-hole 
and threw it skilfully upon the book of the so deeply ab- 
sorbed reader, who started back at the same moment, and 
stared at the rider with two large, dark blue eyes. 

Well, little wild rose, so entirely absorbed ? ” laughed 
the handsome man, checking his horse. “ What interesting 
book are we reading?’' A deep blush spread over Jo- 
sephine’s face, she closed the Goethe in alarm and sprang 
up quickly. For a moment her eyes gazed into Lehrbach ’s, 
then she suddenly repeated in astonished joy, ‘ Wild 
rose ? ’ ” and before Lehrbach could remark her strange 
manner, her fingers turned over the leaves of the book in 
trembling haste. 

Gunther looked laughingly at Hattenheim. “ So naive 
that she does not even understand the botanical compli- 
ment,” and then turning to Josephine he continued : ^‘Par- 
don, my beautiful child ! I beg to interrupt your reading a 
moment and ask a question.” 

But ^‘Gooseherd Liesel ” seemed not to hear his words. 
She stared at the book. “ Quite right,” came at length from 
her lips as if in soliloquy. ‘ Wild rose in the heather ! ’ ” 
And she let the book fall, gazed at him with dark, sparkling 
eyes, and thought at heart, So he is your fortune.” 

Lehrbach’s sharp eyes fell on the book. He saw printed 
verses, and a four-leaf clover which lay between the leaves. 

Aha, poems ? ” cried he, stretching out his hand for the 
book. “ May one see what fortunate master is here perused 
with such deep interest ? ” 

Josephine’s eyes were fixed as if spellbound upon his 
laughing face, her cheeks were flushed hotly, and almost 
mechanically she handed him the book. 

Goethe ? Good heavens ! ” the count turned to Hatten- 
heim. Fatty, I apologize to the country round for having 
called it a wilderness. One cannot desire more culture 


2 


i8 


The Wild Rose, 


than the classics from a tender of geese ! ” and turning to 
Josephine, he said, with a long look into her eyes, 
four-leaf clover ? — freshly picked. Do you know, little 
beauty, that this means good luck ? ” 

Miss Wetter von Stauffenberg nodded eagerly. It has 
come already ! ” laughed she, with charming simplicity. 

Ah ? and how, if I may ask ? 

Well — you came along, and called me wild rose,” she 
replied pleasantly. 

And is that good luck ? ” Lehrbach’s flaming eyes made 
the young girl suddenly lower her eyelashes in confusion ; 
she stammeringly sought an answer, but after another glance 
at the book, the rider continued : ^ Once a boy a wild rose 

spied, wild rose in the heather.’ What if this poem should 
become truth, if the boy — that is, I — really gazed at the 
beautiful rose with much pleasure ? ” An indescribable 
glance from the clear, childish eyes met his, a glance full of 
laughing delight, embarrassment, and sweet shyness. 

Who are you, and what do you want here ? ” asked the 
red lips, without replying to his question. 

^^To prove my courage, and that I am not afraid of rose 
thorns ! ” he smiled, about to ride a step nearer. But at 
the same moment a voice from across the meadow cried 
loudly and happily, Miss Josephine, here I am back ! ” 
and as he looked up in astonishment, he saw a slender, 
poorly clad peasant girl running across the potato field, and 
in a few moments she stood near Josephine and the riders. 

“ O miss, you are to come home at once ! ” cried Bar- 
bel breathlessly, seized the hand of the little baroness, and 
kissed it with thankful tenderness. I thank you for watch- 
ing the geese, and my mother — she is better, and my little 
brother is waiting on her.” 

Lehrbach and Hattenheim exchanged glances of un- 
bounded astonishment, “ My dear young lady,” said 


The Wild Rose. 


19 


Lehrbach, raising his hat. “ I beg a thousand pardons, I 
really did not suspect ” 

That here in the country a lady would watch geese ? ” 
laughed Josephine gayly. It is droll, is it not?” and 
clapping her little hands in unconcealed joy, she continued 
merrily : I saw at once that you mistook me for Barbel, 

because you had no respect for me. Ha, ha, ha ! what a 
comical expression you have ? I could half kill myself 
laughing at you ! ” And Josephine showed her pearly little 
teeth with roguish malice. 

‘‘ I am certainly greatly stupefied, mademoiselle,” cried 
Lehrbach, quickly adapting himself to the strange situation, 
and, like the young lady, taking the humorous side. “ I 
was certainly not prepared for such charming caprices, and 
although I must now submit to being pitilessly laughed at 
by you, I nevertheless do not for a moment complain of 
this little mystification, which has secured for me somewhat 
sooner than expected, the pleasure of your acquaintance. 
Permit me, mademoiselle, to introduce to you my friend. 
Lieutenant von Hattenheim.” And with another still 
deeper bow, he added more slowly : “ I have the advantage 
of being your neighbor. Count Lehrbach.” 

Josephine stood opposite the two men. She still held 
Barbel’s waterproof wrapped around her, her blonde hair 
hung over her back in half-loosened braids, plentifully 
sprinkled with hay, and the willow switch in her hand com- 
pleted the original impression which now both tried to apolo- 
gize for by unusually deep bows. For the first time her 
eyes met Hattenheim’s, who bowed hastily and somewhat 
awkwardly, but it was a casual, indifferent glance which 
rested upon his straw-colored head ; then a smile passed over 
her charming little face, and turning again to Lehrbach she 
said, happily, ‘‘You are our neighbor? You live at Lehr- 
bach now ? Oh, how splendid that is, and how glad I am. 


20 


The Wild Rose. 


It was so lonely, all the estates around us leased. Often it 
all seemed very tiresome' to me, although I am accustomed 
to nothing else. But now it will be better. Now you will 
often come to see us, will you not ? ” She offered him her 
little hand with charming unconstraint, and Gunther hastily 
clasped it ; he glanced at the burned, roughened little brown 
fingers, which stood out strikingly against his delicate pearl- 
gray gloves ; a smile played about his mouth. 

“ As soon and as often as you permit us, mademoiselle,” 
he replied gallantly, with another long gaze into her eyes. 

“ ‘ ’Twas so fair with youth and pride, 

Quickly to the spot he hied.’ 

“You must not forget that you are the wild rose and were 
found by me, the boy, on the road ! ” 

Josephine nodded with radiant eyes. “Yes, I knew that 
my clover leaf would bring good luck,” she cried, with flat- 
tering honesty, “ and I will never laugh at ” 

Barbel pulled her gown uneasily. “Miss Josephine, you 
were to come home at once ; the mistress said you must pick 
some berries in the garden.” 

Again the corners of Lehrbach^s mouth twitched with 
difficultly restrained laughter. “ We are detaining you,” 
said he, “ from your domestic duties. Permit us to call to- 
morrow and ask permission of your honored parents to be 
very frequent visitors in Gross-Stauffen, and also to prepare 
Lehrbach for the reception of our esteemed neighbors.” 
Josephine assented eagerly. “Yes, come to-morrow, and 
very early, and stay a long time. I will tell uncle and aunt 
at once,” and she interrupted herself suddenly and laid a 
finger on her lips. “Wait, I will give you some good ad- 
vice,” said she, mysteriously. “ If you wish Uncle Bernd 
to like you very much, you must talk a great deal of our 
dear Emperor, then perhaps he will tell you his favorite 


The Wild Rose. 


21 


Story, and Aunt Renate will be very nice if you do not chase 
the turkeys in the yard.” 

Now Lehrbach burst into hearty laughter. Do not 
worry, mademoiselle. The turkeys and Aunt Renate shall 
not be disappointed in the peaceableness of two hussars. I 
thank you heartily for your excellent advice, and kiss your 
little hand for it. So then, au revoir., and here is the book 
with all the good fortune which is hidden in its leaves,” and 
with a bewitching glance of his dark eyes, he stooped down 
and laid the book in the girl’s hands and waved his hat in 
farewell. Azi revoir ! ” and the horse reared, turned aside, 
and bore his rider off at a brisk pace. Hattenheim also had 
bowled, but Josephine had eyes for the “boy” only, who, 
handsome and knightly as St. George, galloped away ; so 
with a slightly melancholy expression, as his bow was not 
returned, he also turned his horse and followed his friend. 












II. 

A Sunday sun was shining down upon Castle Stauffen. 
Castle Stauffen ? It was called so without considering in 
how far the title was suited to it ; but when from the west 
side of the park one saw the tall gray walls, whose gables 
seemed to bend with age, it seemed as if Castle Stauffen 
shamefacedly boY^ed its head in modesty and unpretentious- 
ness. But if one turned into the narrow path to the vege- 
table garden, passed the stone entrance over which the many- 
quartered coat-of-arms of the Wetters was carved, and 
gazed at the castle from this side, it took on a wholly differ- 
ent aspect. Ivy and wild grape vines climbed up almost to 
the roof, in lavish splendor, over the weak old walls. Birds 
twittered in the vines, and wild roses had also grown up 
there and in summer strewed the grassy path with their 
petals. Here one could call Stauffen a castle, but a sleep- 
ing, idyllic dream castle like that of the Sleeping Princess. 

Poetry and prose here fought for victory. The most 
picturesque part of the building looked out upon the vege- 
table garden, and the roses bloomed in solitude until the 
autumn wind came and blew their blossoms down into the 
dust. 

All was practical in Stauffen, often too practical, to the 
astonishment of the inspector and neighboring bailiffs, who 
had not expected this of the old Captain von Wetter. 

When Freiherr Bodo Wetter von Stauffenberg was killed 
by a fall from his horse, and his two-year-old daughter 




The Wild Rose. 


23 


Josephine was left an orphan and alone — his wife had died 
six months before him — the day before the funeral an old 
glass coach rolled into the castle yard, from which alighted 
a retired officer and a stately lady, the new master and 
mistress of Stauffen. He was the younger brother of the 
deceased Freiherr, and the future guardian of the little 
orphan, who was received by himself and his wife with ten- 
der love. Death had robbed them of their only child, a 
girl of the same age. 

Captain Bernd, forced by the sad event to lay down his 
sword which he had carried through two campaigns with 
honor and fame, bade a sad farewell forever to the gay life 
in the capital, and prepared to bury himself in the solitude 
of his estate. To all proposals of the inspector, he only 
replied good-naturedly, “Why, naturally, do as you think 
best.” He knew nothing about cows and sheep, and took 
not the slightest interest in them, but was passionately fond 
of horses and dogs. He set up a little stud of thorough- 
breds, and now divided his time between the stables and 
forest, which latter he penetrated as a passionate hunter. 
So it was no wonder if the neighbors regarded Stauffen as 
on the road to ruin. But they were mistaken ! When in 
the first few days there was much for the master to decide, 
and the people came to get his opinions, the captain 
pondered the matters for a time with a serious face, twirled 
his mustache, and finally laying his hand heavily upon the 
questioner’s shoulder, said : “ I tell you, my good fellow, 
go to my wife ! I have explained everything to her. I am 
busy at this moment, and cannot think about it now, but 
my wife knows all about it ; she was brought up in the 
country.” And Captain von Wetter blew a cloud of smoke 
from his short pipe, and hastily walked away. But when 
the people went to the mistress and noticed her tall, vigor- 
ous form, and active, resolute movements, her clever gray 


24 


The Wild Rose. 


eyes, and energetic lips, they knew very well who was the 
future lord and master of Stauffen. 

The years passed in deepest solitude wiped away every 
trace of former court life, and scattered the fine rain of 
ashes of the most prosaic soberness over castle and inhabi- 
tants, which remorselessly suffocated the tender blossoms 
of elegance, and barred the doors against the spirit of the 
times. What they wished for was to save, to save as much 
as possible, to pile up interest for Josephine so that they 
might say to themselves with proud satisfaction some 
day : ‘‘We have been good managers, and have kept and 
increased what was hers ! ” So the days passed monoto- 
nously, drew silver threads through Aunt Renate’s hair, and 
kissed Josephine’s forehead, as does Spring when she wishes 
to awake the buds to blossoms. The young girl grew up 
as lovely as a wild flower ; the village pastor and an old 
governess whose fidelity was greater than her knowledge 
educated her. 

Thus at seventeen, Josephine von Wetter was at heart a 
child, the enchanted fairy blossom of solitude, to whom the 
prince must come and kiss open the dreaming bud to its 
full splendor. 

So, on this bright Sunday, the sun shone down on Stauf- 
fen, and laughed at the curious little maiden, who for two 
hours already, at very short intervals, had run up the high 
flight of steps at the entrance, to look down the alley of 
mountain-ash trees, and then, with impatient face, had hur- 
ried to the basement window and cried : “ Don’t pour out 
coffee yet, Hannah ! They are not coming yet ! ” They ? 
Did Hannah, the tall old kitchen maid, know who was meant 
by “ they ” ? Certainly ; all Stauffen knew — for, except on 
New Year’s Day, for years no stranger had entered the 
castle, and besides, Josephine’s little tongue had been 
busy. 


The Wild. Rose, 


25 


The mistress made t-he coffee herself to-day, Miss Phine, 
and of the best : the New Year’s Java, the half-pound at 
pfennige I' 

Miss Phine nodded with satisfaction. Naturally. We are 
to have guests — and such guests ! Auntie has brought out 
the best cups, too.” 

^‘And baked cake as if for a great festival,” nodded 
Hannah, pointing over her shoulder to the dining-room 
door. ‘‘Even with frosting on it, like the one she made 
seven years ago, when the colonel was here. Ah, that 
time things were splendid. Wine on the table even at 
lunch, let alone at dinner, when there were fish and roast 
fowl at the same meal.” 

Josephine sighed, with sparkling eyes. “Ah, if we could 
only have it so now ! Hannah, do you think auntie will ?” 
And leaning in at the window, she whispered, “ Show me 
the cake.” 

“ Oh, gracious me ! how can I ? ” said Hannah. “ The 
mistress has the key in her pocket. ” 

“ Oh, well — he will come soon. How many eggs are 
there in ” 

“ Phine, little chatterbox ! Where are you ? ” cried a 
woman’s deep voice from the floor above. Aunt Renate’s 
gray head, with the Sunday cap of state with floating lilac 
ribbons upon it, appeared in the gray stone window frame, 
and peered down. 

“ Here ! I am at the kitchen window with Hannah. 
What do you want me to do ? ” cried Josephine, dancing in 
the sunshine, and courtesying so deeply that her stiffly 
starched white gown touched the pavement. 

“ Little goose, do not drag your clean frock in the dust. 
Turn around ! Yes, the wild creature has been sitting on 
the wall again. There is her dress all pressed flat, and 
leaves on her sash. Well, it is all the same to me how you 


26 


The Wild Rose. 


look when the strangers come ; but they will be surprised 
that a girl should treat her best clothes so.” 

Josephine shook herself like a dog. “A few bits of hay 
which came from a passing wagon,” cried she, carelessly 
pointing to the dry wisps. ‘‘ They have made no spots. 
Auntie ? ” 

Well ? ” 

^‘Please throw me down the key of the dining-room,” 
coaxed the red lips. 

‘‘Nonsense. Come up-stairs, missy, and help me take the 
covers from the furniture.” 

“Covers? Where?” said Miss von Wetter, with wide- 
open eyes. 

“ Why, in the best room, goosie ! I must open it for 
the guests.” And Aunt Renate drew in her head, and left 
full sway to the white muslin curtains, which were making 
the most of their unusual liberty. 

With glowing cheeks, Josephine hurried up-stairs, greeted 
by a draught of air and the smell of freshly scoured 
boards. 

The large, spacious corridor of the first floor was strewn 
with flne white sand ; the doors which opened on it, and 
which Josephine had always seen mysteriously locked, 
stood wide open, and in one of them appeared Aunt Renate, 
in her old-fashioned gray silk gown, with a huge linen apron 
fastened over it. In one hand she held a porcelain figure, 
which she was dusting vigorously. 

“ I do not see where the dust comes from ! ” she exclaimed. 
“ All the windows shut year in and year out, and yet the 
dust lies like a gray veil over everything. Thank heaven, 
the furniture is protected, or else the moths would have 
devoured everything.” And she turned back to the room, 
and said, “ Help me pull off the covers.” 

Josephine stared about her, followed on her aunt’s heels. 


The Wild Rose, 


27 


and coughed convulsively. A sharp, pungent odor met her, 
and made her sneeze loudly. 

Does it smell of camphor and pepper here still ? ” asked 
her aunt, astonished. “ I have had the windows open a 
long time, and I smell nothing ; or is it because I am accus- 
tomed to it ? ” she added, and began to strip the covers 
from a spindle-legged sofa. 

Josephine was speechless with astonishment. She re- 
membered the time of the colonel’s visit, when these cool, 
dim rooms, with the strange furniture and the large paint- 
ings on the walls, had seemed to her like a dream. Then 
Aunt Renate had closed the carved doors again, and the 
first story lay in its old sleep. No one thought of entering 
those rooms which no one missed. But to-day the sunlight 
fell through the open windows, the heavy green silk curtains 
rustled in the breeze. 

Come, Phine, hurry,” Aunt Renate reminded her. 
‘‘They may come at any moment.” 

Miss von Wetter turned hastily and looked at her aunt, 
who was stripping the cotton covers from the sofa. Why! 
there was the loveliest green silk underneath, just like the 
hangings ! She had not dreamed of that. She assisted 
with feverish haste, and finally threw her arms round her 
aunt’s neck. “ One thing you must promise me, auntie — the 
pastor’s family must see it, too ! ” Aunt Renate murmured 
something about childishness and nonsense, but she smiled, 
and then pushed her niece toward the door. “ Now go, so 
that the floor may not be needlessly trampled upon.” 

On the stairs Uncle Bernd met them. “ Oh, mercy ! Do 
not take your pipe into the good rooms,” Aunt Renate cried 
out to him. “ Turn round, man. Go in the garden if you 
want to smoke ! ” 

“ But, Renate, what the devil is up "t ” 

“ Phine, go down in the dining-room and put the sugar 


28 


The Wild Rose. 


on the table ; here is the key.” Aunt Renate waited until 
the white gown disappeared around the turn of the stairs, 
then she bent down to her husband, who was. standing two 
steps below her, and whispered in his ear : It is for the 

child’s sake, Bernd. Count Lehrbach has a marriageable 
son, and our Phine will be eighteen in October. Do you 
understand ” 

Uncle Bernd pushed back his weather-beaten hussar cap 
with a long-drawn Hm — hm ! ” and said mournfully : 

‘‘ Do you think so, my dear ? Has our nestling learned to 
fly already ? How time passes ! I had not noticed how 
the little witch has grown up.” And Uncle Bernd sighed 
deeply, tapped his wife’s shoulder, and hastily stumbled 
down-stairs. 

A light, elegant carriage rolled along the road. The 
coat-of-arms on the door, the pale gray satin cushions, and 
the servants in rich livery distinguished it as the equipage 
which his Excellency took with him on all his travels. 

Leaning back among the soft cushions, he surveyed the 
landscape thoughtfully. The gentle breeze played about 
his gray hair without disturbing a lock, so carefully was it 
arranged. The face which it framed was pale and small, 
the lips wore a weary expression, and there were furrows in 
his cheeks. Opposite his Excellency sat Gunther and Hat- 
tenheim, both in civilian dress, the young count with a wild 
rose ostentatiously displayed in his button-hole. 

^Woild, papa ! The scene of our adventure ! ” he cried, 
leaning forward. ‘‘ Here, on this pile of hay, was enthroned 
Liesel the gooseherd with the seven-pointed crown upon 
her head, and with the assistance of M. Goethe she ruled 
her Capitolian subjects ! ” 

The minister smiled, and gazed in the direction which 
Gunther’s hand indicated. 

Very original ! ” said he. An accident to which you 


The Wild Rose. 


29 


owe one of your most charming sketches. I shall be glad 
to make the acquaintance of the model. Simplicity is re- 
freshing.” 

“ As a drink of spring water, very a pi'opos when one is 
really thirsty, dear papa, but for a continual drink one would 
wish at least a few drops of cognac in it.” 

A reproachful, almost irritated glance from Hattenheim 
fell upon the handsome speaker. “ How ungrateful, Giin- 
ther ! Quite like the boy who plucks a rose, decorates his 
hat with it for a short time, and then carelessly throws it 
aside. I should think, when the little wild rose had looked 
at any one as she did at you, he would not have the heart 
to crush the gay blossom from mere vanity.” 

Very good, dear Reimar ! ” said his Excellency, ap- 
provingly. But Gunther laughed aloud, clapped his friend 
on the shoulder, and cried amusedly : 

By the powers, Fatty, you seem to cherish the dreadful 
suspicion that I wish to make love to the little Liesel. 
Mart de ma vie.^ so I shall, but not seriously. I will not 
even kiss her hand, for, aside from any other reason, it has 
already picked too many berries in the garden. And her 
little heart ? I am not going to ask for it. Fatty — and if it 
is given to me unasked ? ” Lehrbach shrugged his shoul- 
ders, and threw back his curly head boldly. Do not 
grudge the child the poetry of one unhappy love ! What 
else can she write about in her diary ? I will pay my debts. 
She was the means of my making a good sketch, and I will 
help her to the quintessence of every woman’s existence, a 
youthful dream ! ” 

Hattenheim’s fresh face seemed paler than usual. 

Do not jest so dreadfully, Gunther ; you spoil my drive,” 
replied he uneasily. 

The young count leaned toward his father with comic 
importance, pointed to Hattenheim, and whispered loudly : 


30 


The Wild Rose. 


Papa, look at the fellow ! I believe he is actually in love.” 
And turning to his friend, with laughing eyes, he said drolly : 
Fatty ! Furious one ! Do you wish to make me jealous? 
To know that you are one of Gooseherd LiesePs admirers 
is to put a ball through my head ! ” 

Gunther, we are turning into the yard,” said his Ex- 
cellency ; and with another glance into Hattenheim’s grave 
eyes, the young count quickly pressed his hand: ‘‘Let us 
be friends, old fellow. You shall be satisfied with me.” 
There was a loud rustling of white skirts down the steps 
at the front door, and before the footman could spring from 
the box two small girlish hands had seized the handle of 
the carriage door, and tried to turn it, while the blue eyes, 
radiant with happiness, looked up at Gunther, and Josephine 
cried quickly : “ You have come at last ! I have been sit- 
ting on the wall and looking for you for two hours already ! 
Get out quickly, quickly.’' 

The footman stood beside the young lady in perplexity. 
But Giinther quickly seized her little hand, pressed it with 
laughing welcome, opened the door, and with one agile leap 
stood beside Miss von Wetter. “ You see that the boy has 
kept his word ! ” he cried, with evident amusement, and 
bowed to the old Freiherr, who at this moment hurried 
down the steps, somewhat breathlessly and with disarranged 
hair, in order to welcome the guests with an honest hand- 
shake. Polite words, gay welcome, and directions to the 
coachman for the moment were in order; then the minister 
suddenly advanced a step, gave Josephine his hand with a 
cordial smile, and asked : “ Is this the little wild rose 
herself ? — the little witch who ‘dupes honest lieutenants so 
irresponsibly ? A la bo7i7te heiire ! my dear young lady, your 
little mystification amused me greatly ! ” 

Josephine made a deep, solemn courtesy. The hair curled 
around her white forehead like a golden halo, the charming 



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The Wild Rose, 


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little face looked up at him, tender and fresh as a roseleaf, 
and two dimples formed in her cheeks as she smiled rogu- 
ishly. ‘‘Yes, count, I fooled them splendidly. They took 
me for Barbel, and thought that only peasant girls under- 
stood how to watch geese ! Ah, if you could have seen 
their faces when they found out their mistake ! ” And 
again her laugh rang out like silver bells. 

“ My friend Hattenheim begs a word of greeting also, 
Miss Josephine,” Gunther interposed, gayly, drawing his 
startled comrade from behind Uncle Bernd. 

“ Ah, there you are ! Pray forgive me, I had wholly for- 
gotten you,” cried Josephine, with charming simplicity, 
quickly gave him her hand, and made another courtesy. 

Hattenheim grew crimson, bowed, and was silent. 

Then Aunt Renate appeared in the door, and made a sign 
of impatience to Uncle Bernd, behind his Excellency’s back, 
to ask the gentlemen in, whereupon the captain hastily 
offered his arm to the minister and begged him to come in. 

Gunther bowed chivalrously, and followed with Josephine. 
“ So you really looked forward to seeing us ? ” he whispered 
to her. 

The child nodded eagerly. “Very much ! ” she assured 
him. 

“ And Hattenheim, too ? ” 

The child’s eyes gazed at him in astonishment ; she shook 
her head quickly. “ No ! He is so different from you.” 

“ But he is a dear good fellow ! ” Gunther gazed at her 
face with his fascinating eyes. 

“ Mercy ! if when he is so homely he was bad also ” 

Josephine hushed in alarm as the young count laughed 
aloud. “ Poor fellow ! ” he said, softly. 

“ There is Aunt Renate ! ” Miss von Wetter dropped the 
arm of the young officer, and hurried past him to the side 
of the stately matron who greeted his Excellency with much 


32 


The Wild Rose. 


rustling of silk, and received his kiss upon her hand with a 
grandiose air. 

Incredible idyl, here ! ” Gunther whispered in his com- 
rade’s ear. Look at the old lady. Fatty ! That gown has 
surely hung unchanged in her wardrobe for twenty years.” 
And he turned toward her, and bowed his dark, curly head 
in respectful greeting. 

‘‘ Dear Renate, will you not ask his Excellency up-stairs?” 
said Uncle Bernd, somewhat uncertain as to his wife’s plan 
of campaign. “ It is cooler up there.” 

No, indeed ! ” replied the Freifrau, shaking her head 
resolutely. Coffee is on the table, and when one has been 
driving for two hours on these dusty roads, one is thirsty. 
Pray come into the dining-room, count.” 

Again Hattenheim felt his arm nudged slightly, and 
saw the traitorous twitching of Gunther’s mustache. But 
Josephine stood near the two men with sparkling eyes, and 
whispered Avith scarcely concealed impatience : Please 

come quickly ! There is a surprise ! ” 

A surprise ?” cried Lehrbach with interest. “ Then let 
us hurry, friends.” And he strode ahead over the sand- 
strewn stone floor. 

On the round dining-table, somewhat insolently greeted 
by numerous flies, coffee was served by Hannah in her 
Sunday frock. Lehrbach’s eyes glanced restlessly round 
the room, and after a short pause, leaning toward his young 
neighbor, he asked in a low voice : You have excited my 

curiosity greatly. Miss Josephine ; the surprise disturbs me 
and quite spoils my enjoyment of this Mocha. So own up ! 
What is it?” 

Josephine smiled with charming importance. “ Have 
you not noticed it yet ? There is the surprise on the table. 
We have baked cake extra in your honor ! ” 

For a moment Count Gunther was forced to cough 


The Wild Rose. 


33 


violently, but then he clapped his hands with naiVe joy, and 
cried : Truly, there it is ! And how delicate and inviting ! 

Certainly made by your charming little hands. I urgently 
beg for the largest piece, for such delicacies must be ap- 
preciated.” 

With a radiant face, Josephine drew the plate toward 
her and pointed to a gigantic slice. This one ! This is 
the largest.” 

All honor to home-made cake, madame,” said his 
Excellency, smiling politely. ‘‘And this is, I suppose, a 
master-piece of our little wild rose ? In honor of her I 
must indulge, although I am a sworn enemy of all sweets.” 

“ Phine bake cake ? ” Aunt Renate’s bright cap ribbons 
fluttered violently. “ No, my dear count, I would not so 
insult the almonds and raisins, they would never make the 
acquaintance of the flour and milk ! My husband has 
accustomed me to different traits in the girl. Instead of 
the kitchen, away hunting with him ; instead of sitting at 
the work-table, she is off on the back of an unsaddled 
horse. How^ many colts there are in the fold, and how many 
foxes in the neighborhood, the young lady knows very well ; 

but as to pots and pans But dear mercy ! she is only 

seventeen. She must enjoy her golden liberty a little 
longer. ” 

“ I think so too, dear Renate,” said Uncle Bernd, some- 
what embarrassed, and his Excellency, with diplomatic skill, 
set both at ease. 

Meanwhile Gunther had placed his coffee-cup to his lips, 
and when he set it down again Hattenheim drew his foot 
under his chair in alarm, for his friend’s elegant patent- 
leather shoe signalled perceptibly. 

“ Have you sugar, your Excellency ? ” The captain un- 
covered the glass bowl of granulated sugar, which the 
minister held in his hand undecidedly for a moment. 

3 


34 


The Wild Rose. 


Phine ! You have forgotten the spoon!” The Frei- 
frau gave an energetic wink. ‘‘You must know, count, 
that we use only granulated sugar on our table,” she con- 
tinued dryly. “ The maids used to steal the cut sugar from 
the bowl by the handful, even in the short time that it wa^ 
on the table, so I bought only granulated, and thought : 
‘ Now, you rascals, now try to put it in your pockets ! ’ ” 
Again Hattenheim drew his foot back, but his Excellency 
laughed amusedly, and praised Aunt Renate as a practical 
housekeeper. 

They went up-stairs to the state room, sat there for a 
short time, coughing and ill at ease, and then yielded to 
his Excellency’s urgent request to go down and sit in the 
shady garden, or walk about the park, so as to enjoy the 
delightful summer weather. Aunt Renate seemed pleased, 
took his Excellency’s arm, and descended the stairs. 

Great heavens ! I was almost suffocated up there,” Glin- 
ther whispered to his friend. I am convinced that the 
first floor is aired every fifty years only, when there is a dis- 
tinguished guest, a wedding, or a christening, it smells so 
confoundedly of pepper and camphor. I never sneezed so 
often in my life before as in that little cage with the dread- 
ful tapestry which Baroness Gooseherd Liesel admired most 
of us all. Horrible ! How can a Christian being tolerate 
such rubbish on the walls ? ” And the young count coughed 
once more at the recollection, and added aloud : Lovely 

garden here — charming foliage, madame ! ” 

His Excellency told of the evergreen forests of Italy, and 
said pleasantly : Forgive these botanical wanderings ; the 

young people probably plan a walk through the park.” 
And he sank somewhat wearily into the cane chair which 
Uncle Bernd had been offering him for ten minutes. 

Park ! ” Josephine laughed merrily. There is none. 
It was planted several years ago with raspberries and straw- 


The Wild Rose. 


35 


berries, and beets and cabbages, because the great stretches 
of lawn were so useless.” 

And I turned the thickets and oak wood into my 
stables and dog-kennels,” interrupted the captain. “ I will 
take the gentlemen there — fine colts, pure thoroughbreds.” 

The two officers listened with interest and drew near, 
but Josephine cried pleadingly : Oh, not yet, count ! we 

must first go for the pastor’s family, so that they can see 
the rooms up-stairs.” 

Uncle Bernd coughed with embarrassment, but Gunther 
bowed politely. “Naturally, Miss Josephine, you have only 
to command.” 

“ Ah, that is charming ; pray come at once,” and Jo- 
sephine turned to the garden gate. “ Why are you wait- 
ing ? ” 

“ Pardon, but I thought you would first get your gloves 
and hat.” 

“Gloves.^ Hat? Here in the village?” Josephine 
laughed, and tossed back her blonde braids. “ I have never 
worn gloves in my life except when I was confirmed, and 
once when we went to the fair in the city. And now only 
to go to the pastor’s ? ” And again she showed her little 
teeth, and opened the gate. “Come quickly. You need 
not wear a hat.” 

With a few strides Gunther was at her side. Hattenheim 
followed more slowly. 

“ But, Miss Josephine, are you not anxious about your 
complexion ? ” Lehrbach turned his dark eyes full upon 
the young girl. 

“ Complexion ?” Josephine looked up questioningly, as 
if she did not at first understand, then she continued 
quickly : “ Oh, you mean, am 1 afraid of freckles ? No, not 
at all, although I do not think they are pretty. The pas- 
tor’s Gretchen has ever so many on her nose.” 


3 ^ 


The Wild Rose. 


How sad ! How old is the young lady ? 

She was eighteen last Wednesday/' declared Miss von 
Wetter. 

Even in the distance cries of joy hailed them from the 
parsonage, which proved how welcome their visit was. Then 
a crowd of blonde heads of all shades surrounded them, so 
numerous and so confidentially friendly that the young 
officers, in consideration of their light-colored clothes, re- 
tired prudently behind Josephine. 

The pastor’s little troop brandished large pieces of bread 
spread with preserves, which had left traces like an Indian 
tattoo on their rosy little faces. 

Mamma is sick ! Mamma is sick ! ” came from six 
little throats, and, happy in being able to announce this 
veritable novelty, they surrounded Josephine and vied with 
each other in screaming out information as to the details. 

Your mamma is ill ? ” said Miss Wetter in astonish- 
ment, and was told that the pastor’s wife had burned her 
arm making marmalade. Patiently she stood still while 
numerous hands were raised in admiration of the ‘‘ lovely 
dress," and finally announced the object of her coming. 

We are to see the best rooms ! ” cried the troop. Hur- 
rah ! We can go up-stairs ! ” And like a whirlwind they 
* rushed up the front steps, at the top of which stood the 
eldest sister Gretchen, buxom and rubicund, receiving the 
visitors with an embarrassed courtesy. 

Fatty, my dearest Fatty, here I can find sketches such 
as the Princess has not dreamed of,” whispered Gunther to 
his silent friend. This pastor’s family will be splendid 
models. The little flaxen-heads, in unwashed naturalness ; 
the hundred-and-fifty-pound Gretchen, as the best recom- 
mendation of the healthy air. Now let us hope they have 
a parson in the house whom one can sketch sitting at the 
table with a full plate before him.” 


The Wild Rose. 


37 


Hattenheim smiled good-naturedly, and sighed. “ These 
people are happy here, Gunther, and however much reason 
we may have to laugh at them, I do not believe that one of 
them would change with us.” 

Lehrbach broke a twig of jasmine which hung over the 
fence, and inhaled the sweet perfume. “ Thank God that 
tastes differ, old fellow ! The thought of spending one 
year only of my life here makes me shudder. Besides, I 
am convinced that you are mistaken. Little Josephine is 
happy here only because she knows nothing different. To 
breathe court air for a single winter, to see gas-lights and 
dance waltzes, would make Gross-Stauffen seem a grave to 
her. How I should like to awaken the poor little thing 
from this dreary dream-life to gay, sunny reality ! ” 

The young count hushed, for from the front door rushed 
the wild crowd of flaxen-heads, neatly washed and brushed, 
followed by Josephine and Gretchen, joyously surrounding 
the strange gentlemen, ready to go to the castle. 

‘‘ No rose without thorns,” murmured Gunther, and ran 
off to catch the boldest little one, amid shrieks of laughter. 




III. 

It was early morning in Gross-Stauffen. Josephine lay 
in the old-fashioned canopy bed, whose dark blue silk cur- 
tains were looped far back, and with rosy arms folded com- 
fortably behind her head, smiled up at the folds of drapery. 
How delightful it was to dream thus with open eyes, and 
think over all the changes which the last few days had 
brought ! 

Plainly and clearly she saw before her the handsome 
man — saw the dark eyes which rested so strangely and for 
so long a time upon her, heard all the dangerous, charming 
words which had bound her innocent little heart firmly and 
forever in the golden threads of a first love. Her young 
soul trembled with happiness. How good and how hand- 
some Count Gunther was! Did he not call her ‘‘Wild 
Rose " ? — and in honor of her did he not w^ear this- flower ? 
Had he not begged Aunt Renate to spend the next winter 
in the capital, so that he might dance a superb waltz with 
Josephine in the “ white drawing-room ” at court ? And 
when Josephine had anxiously told him that she did not 
know how to dance, the young officer, with a charming smile, 
had offered to teach her daring the few weeks of his stay. 
Thereupon Hattenheim opened the old piano and courage- 
ously struck a few chords. Then Lehrbach had turned to 
Mademoiselle, the old governess, and asked if she could 
play for dancing. She had courtesied shyly and replied, 
“ I will try, monsieur.” And Lehrbach had made many 
polite little speeches to her in French. Then she had 


The Wild Rose. 


39 


played something, and the count had called it a charming 
polka, and turning to Aunt Renate, had said, “You see 
there is no obstacle, Madame von Wetter. Now you must 
let us come very often here. And you must come to Lehr- 
bach, and then you shall see how quickly your niece will 
learn to dance.” “ But Gretchen must come, too ! ” Jose- 
phine had cried. “ Naturally,” replied Lehrbach, and then 
a day had been fixed for a beginning. 

How easy it seemed to learn to dance with him, and how 
she loved his dark eyes, which could have gazed on no other 
girl so tenderly. Surely, if he did not love her, he would 
be as quiet and tiresome as that stout Hattenheim, who did 
nothing but blush with confusion when she spoke to him. 

What did she know of the false, deceitful world, and the 
smooth falsehoods which men call “ pretty speeches ” ? 
Sunshine v/as in her heart, and smiling confidence in her 
childish eyes. 

The immense glass coach of the Von Wetters, large enough 
to contain the most numerous of families, rolled along the 
sandy road to Lehrbach. It was painted a brilliant yellow, 
so that it was visible at a great distance. On the high 
coachman’s seat sat Kilian, the master of the kennels, with 
a high old-fashioned cylinder hat, whose silver cord had long 
ago become black. A long blue coat with brass buttons, on 
which were stamped the Wetter arms, a red vest, and white 
gloves, represented the livery, whose deficiencies were made 
up from Kilian’s Sunday outfit. But the horses were in 
strange contrast to the carriage — fiery, prancing thorough- 
breds, splendid specimens. 

Uncle and aunt sat on the broad back seat, and Josephine, 
in her stiff, full pink cotton gown, occupied the front one. 
Although she sat quiet under the watchful gaze of her aunt, 
her eyes wandered restlessly from one carriage window to 


40 


The Wild Rose, 


the other to see how far they had gone. Her little tongue 
was not quiet a moment. 

“ He will wear his uniform to-day ! she reported myste- 
riously, “ so that I may know him when I meet him in the 
capital. He is afraid I will not recognize him, and he said 
such a strange word, which I did not understand, and when 
I asked him he laughed and said: ‘Well, we officers call 
it cutting,’ and then, auntie, I was no wiser than before.” 
And without waiting for an answer, she turned her head to 
the other side, and cried : “ There are the ruins ! They 
are in the Lehrbach park, and we are almost there.” 

“ Then you may put your gloves on now, Phine,” said 
Aunt Renate, and handed the young girl her silk gloves. 
She drew her own embroidered crape shawl tighter about 
her shoulders, looked attentively at Uncle Bernd, straight- 
ened his cravat, and said : “ Now, Phine, do not forget 
what I told you about using your knife and fork.” 

Josephine nodded consciously, tied her gay hat strings 
under her chin, and sat in breathless expectation. 

The carriage turned through a tall, elegant gatevvay into 
a broad, shady alley of old linden trees, which led direct to 
the castle. Josephine knew it. It was a one-storied build- 
ing, spreading out over much ground, with round extensions, 
before which was a terrace, joined to the front part of the 
house by a pillared gallery. Velvety lawns, interspersed 
with various-shaped beds of gay flowers, stretched out be- 
fore the castle, intersected by gravel walks ; and white 
statues shone from the dark shrubbery. 

In the shadow of the pillars lay a large mastiif, his yellow 
head resting on his outstretched fore-paws. He pricked 
up his ears, and raised his head as he heard the carriage, 
and surveyed it with sovereign calm but evident surprise. 
At that moment the door was thrown open, and his Excel- 
lency’s valet hastily crossed the veranda, ran down the 


The Wild Rose, 


41 


steps, and waited, with bare head, but not without a slight 
twitching of the corners of his mouth, to open the carriage 
door. 

Slowly Uncle Bernd’s corpulent form alighted ; after him 
a pink cotton cloud, from the midst of whose rustling folds 
rose a slender girlish figure, surmounted by a huge Leghorn 
hat ; then Aunt Renate followed, with calm dignity, smooth- 
ing her full black satin gown, and asked the valet conde- 
scendingly : ‘HVe are not too early ? ” 

“ Certainly not, my lady,” replied the man. ^‘May I ask 
the ladies and gentleman to walk in ? ” 

And he hurried up the steps, and threw open the broad 
doors, where two richly-liveried servants appeared, and 
begged them to follow them to the countess’s boudoir, and 
remove their wraps. 

Mercy ! what have I to remove ? ’’whispered Josephine, 
following anxiously over the thick carpets through two ele- 
gant rooms, which Uncle Bernd crossed on tip-toe, but 
Aunt Renate inspected closely. 

Hush ! ” replied the Freifrau shortly. Do not let the 
servants see that you are not used to such things.” And 
she entered the boudoir, at the door of which the lackey 
withdrew with a deep bow. 

With anxious heart Josephine looked around her ; all was 
shining, golden, satin splendor. A canopy bed, from the top 
of which, representing an eagle with outstretched wings, fell 
drapery of pale blue satin overhung with creamy lace, har- 
monized with the elegant furniture and window draperies, 
which made of the room a dainty, poetic jewel casket, fitted 
with all the thousand elegant little trifles of a wealthy 
woman’s fancy. 

Aunt Renate had surveyed the room hastily. Perfect 
frippery, which costs immensely and is of no use,” she mur- 
mured. It has not been touched for sixteen years, but 


42 


The Wild Rose 


left to the moths.” And she poured water from the slender 
pitcher decorated with forget-me-nots into the gilt-edged 
basin, and said to Josephine, Come here and wash your 
hands.” 

“ Bui, auntie, I did just before ” 

Nonsense, come ! It is the proper thing to do.” 

And all three solemnly washed their hands. Oh, how 
delicious !” whispered Josephine. Smell it, auntie, per- 
fumed soap ! ” 

“ Well, what of it ? ” replied Mrs. von Wetter. I always 
used to have such. Now, put on your gloves agaip, and we 
will go down-stairs,” and passing her hand over the young 
girl’s hair to smooth it, she led the way through the glossy 
folds of the portieres. Again his Excellency’s valet received 
them, and led them through a corridor adorned with deer 
antlers and coats-of-arms, up the softly carpeted stairs to the 
first floor. 

The doors opened, a fine perfume met them, and through 
the dim light three gentlemen advanced with charming 
words of welcome. 

It seemed to Josephine that she was dreaming. She 
scarcely ventured to glance shyly around the drawing-room. 
Only when there was a confusion of voices, and Count Gun- 
ther’s Welcome” met her ear, did she raise her eyes ; and 
surprised, delighted with the splendid hussar uniform, she 
clapped her little hands, and cried with the deepest convic- 
tion : “ Oh, how beautiful ! ” and with that her shyness was 
forgotten, jests and merriment asserted their old rights, and 
Gunther’s loud laugh proved that he was greatly amused. 

Even Hattenheim to-day found favor in Josephine’s eyes. 
She assured him, very pleasantly, that he looked decidedly 
handsome in uniform, not so stout, and not so red-faced, 
and she added eagerly : When we dance, you must wear 

this splendid laced coat, so that Gretchen can see it too.” 


The Wild Rose. 


43 


Uncle Bernd greeted with joy the uniform of his dear old 
regiment. It seemed as if he were again the gay, handsome 
captain, whom sixteen years of solitude had made unrecog- 
nizable. He thawed wonderfully; he forgot his pipe and his 
hardened hands ; be was again at court. Aunt Renate, too, 
watched the uniforms with moist eyes. They were bound 
up with the dearest recollections of her youth. 

And how much there was for Josephine to see here ! 
What undreamed-of splendor in every part of the rooms ! 
With the noiseless step of a courtier, in his dainty patent- 
leather shoes, Count Gunther led his naive little guest 
through the different rooms, Josephine’s heavy leather shoes 
following noisily over the parquet floor. She had not half 
finished inspecting a mantelpiece loaded with curious bric- 
a-brac, when dinner was announced. 

Dear Reimar, as guest you have the privilege of offering 
Miss von Wetter your arm,” smiled Gunther, drawing back. 
Josephine looked astonished, but silently laid her arm in the 
young officer’s. If the drawing-rooms had been a source of 
wonder and admiration for Josephine, the dining-room with 
its elegantly arranged table, and the almost wholly unknown 
delicacies of the rich menu, offered the widest scope for her 
astonishment. 

The minister was most affable, clever, distinguished in 
every word and gesture ; as a diplomat and statesman, he 
knew how to choose such topics of conversation that Uncle 
Bernd lost the last remnant of his shyness, and Aunt Renate 
grew animated over old recollections. 

After dessert, his Excellency drew the magnificent centre- 
piece which represented a silver tree, on whose branches 
chocolate and marshmallow fruits rested, nearer to him, and 
replied to Josephine’s astonished question that it was a 
present from a Russian grand duke. With his slender white 
hand he removed all the remaining candies, and pushed 


44 


The Wild Rose, 


them toward the young lady. “For Miss Wild Rose and 
the pastor’s children,” said he. “ You must take your friends 
a greeting from Lehrbach.” 

Josephine thanked him heartily, begged Count Gunther 
for a piece of paper, and said : “You will come with me 
now and carry the package to the carriage, will you not 1 
— or else I shall forget it.” 

And when the young men laughingly agreed, they re- 
solved to take a stroll through the park immediately after- 
wards. 

Dreamy shadows lay on the lawn, and a cool, spicy 
breeze blew through the shady walks. A deep crimson rose 
was fastened in the young girl’s belt, and in his hand Lehr- 
bach held a similar one, while he bent down to Josephine 
and begged leave to fasten this second blossom in her hair 
with his own hands. 

Josephine glanced up at him without embarrassment. 
“ Certainly,” she nodded, “ if you can.” And she bent her 
head under the smooth, firm hands which slowly fastened 
the rose in the blonde waves of her hair. 

A sunbeam fell through the leaves upon the young 
couple, woke golden lights in the floating curls, and lit up 
the diamond ring upon Gunther’s finger. Hattenheim stood 
aside with crossed arms, his brows gloomily contracted, and 
his tightly closed lips seemed about to open with violent 
words. He glanced reproachfully at Gunther’s smiling face, 
then turned and walked slowly away. 

Gunther and Josephine followed his tall form. 

“ Do you know what such a rose signifies ? ” asked Count 
Lehrbach with slow emphasis. The girl’s bright eyes were 
raised questioningly to his face. 

“ The rose is the symbol of love,” continued the young 
man in a low voice. “ Quickly and unsuspectingly it bursts 
from the bud and unfolds its crimson petals full of en- 


The Wild Rose. 


45 


chanting perfume, to be a source of delight to itself and 
others.” 

But it has thorns, and withers so quickly,” said Jo- 
sephine, shaking her head in astonishment. That surely 
should not be a symbol of love ? ” 

The dark eyes gazed into hers. That is the lot of 
Cupid’s arrows — they are often sharp as thorns and dipped 
in poison. Do you not know the proverb, ^ Whoever has 
never suffered through love, has never truly loved ’ ? These 
words are true, Miss Josephine, for as the rose cannot live 
without dew, and without it will never open its heart in 
fullest beauty, so also love cannot exist without tears, which 
draw to the light the deepest tenderness from the bottom of 
the heart.” 

^ Whoever has never suffered through love,’” repeated 
Miss von Wetter softly, with deeply bowed head, and it 
seemed to her as if a shadow had suddenly fallen in the 
bright sunlight. ‘‘ I would rather see the sun without 
clouds. ” 

petal has fallen from the rose already,” said Jo- 
sephine, becoming gay again. Alas I if that is a symbol of 
love,” and her eyes followed the little crimson petal, which 
fell from her belt at Gunther’s feet. She stood still. The 
young officer smiled his old gay, careless smile. Heavens! 
why do you desire an endless existence for roses and love ? 
It would grow wearisome like everything else, even the 
best in the world. Better a short life for a flower than 
none at all, and better a fleeting dream of happiness than 
none.” 

Do you wish that ? ” 

No, not for us two ! ” And he smiled down at her so 
that a slight flush mounted to her temples ; he walked on, 
and carelessly trod the rose petal in the dust. 

It must be strange out in the world. I shall be glad 


46 


The Wild Rose. 


to learn to know it.” And Josephine let the branches of 
the blooming bushes pass through her fingers as they walked 
quickly on. 

And I promise myself great delight in making you 
acquainted with the gay, lovely world. After this terrible 
wilderness it must seem to you as if you were awaking from 
a dream, in order, like the butterfly, to bathe your wings in 
light and bliss. Oh, it is beautiful to live ! It is beautiful 
to be a child of fortune ! ” And the young count glanced 
up at the sky with the careless, radiant happiness of one 
who has never known a sorrow. 

Before them the path led up a steep, rocky hill, whose 
summit was crowned with the ivy-covered ruins of a castle. 
Lehrbach hurried ahead with light steps, then turned and 
offered his hand to her. “ Here there are obstacles. Miss 
Josephine. Mossy rocks, and vines such as are suited to an 
altar of the past.” 

Josephine laughed aloud. Do you think I cannot 
climb ? ” And giving a joking little slap to the offered 
hand, she sprang over the rocks, light-footed as a gazelle, 
in spite of her ponderous shoes. 

Gunther pouted and looked down at his hand. How 
unkind. Miss Josephine, to let me feel the rose’s thorns ! ” 

She stood in the bright sunlight, rosy, charming, and 
roguish before him, leaned her head on one side, and re- 
cited with pathos : ‘ Whoever has never suffered through 

love, has never loved.’ ” Then they laughed together, but 
Gunther came nearer, quickly took her little hand and drew 
it to his lips. “ Suffered through love ? ” he repeated, with 
a strange, questioning glance. 

There is a splendid view from here,” said Hattenheirn’s 
voice from an ivy-framed window of the ruin above them. 
“ Make haste. Miss Josephine, so that you may see how 
beautiful your home is.” 



GUNTHER CAME NEARER, QUICKLY TOOK HER LITTLE HAND AND DREW IT TO HIS LIPS. 

p. 4b 





The Wild Rose. 


47 


Yes, I am coming ! ” cried Josephine gayly, and hur- 
ried through the grass-grown court of the old castle. 

In a moment she stood at Hattenheim’s side, silent and 
motionless, gazing like a child at the charming view before 
her eyes. 

At their feet lay Lehrbach, among the trees and splendid 
roses which at this distance resembled a flowery carpet. 
Dark pines bordered the park, and here and there could be 
seen through the trees the silvery lake. Beyond, the red 
roofs of the farm buildings, a distant church-spire, and 
fields and meadows interspersed by black forests. 

Is not this a beautiful view ? ” said Hattenheim. It 
reminds me of home. Come to this window ! ” and he 
went to the other side of the ruin, bent aside the wild 
blackberry branches, and helped the young girl up on the 
half-fallen wall. Here the work of human hands ceases,” 
he continued. Yonder cultivation, and here poetic charm- 
ing wilderness, nothing but wood and meadow. But see, 
over there, that water shining like molten silver. That is 
Wantska Lake. Among the rushes of that lake, water-nixies 
still live.” 

Josephine was about to answer eagerly, but Count Lehr- 
bach interrupted her. Almost breathless, with deeply flushed 
cheeks, he now appeared among the ruins, waving a sheet 
of pink paper to his friend. 

“ Reimar ! On my word, a greeting from Berchtes- 
gaben ! ” he cried excitedly. With a gentian picked by 
Princess Sylvie’s own hands. The little Dienheim writes me 
a superb note, naturally at her Highness’s dictation. A very 
clever excuse — from pure ennui, ha, ha, ha ! Do you believe 
that, old fellow — that Sylvie and Use are sending gentian 
blossoms to all their partners of last season in despair ? Not 
I ! They wish sketches, but are as evasive and satirical as 
ever. Is it a mere interest in art ? ” And the handsome 


48 


The Wild Rose, 


man shrugged his shoulders slightly, with a smile of bound- 
less vanity and irony, and his delicate nostrils quivered 
under the influence of his excitement. 

“ You think the princess is interested in your Robinson 
Crusoe experience here ? ” replied Hattenheim quickly, 
v/hile proud satisfaction lit up his honest face. She 
wishes news of you via Dienheim ? ” 

You have it, general ! The gentian is a means to an 
end.” Count Gunther took the pressed flower from the 
perfumed envelope, and with gracefully curved fingers held 
it out to Miss Josephine. Attention, my dear young 
lady,” said he smilingly. ^‘Such blossoms are a rarity. 
Imagine the scenery of a ^ Geier Wally.’ Fancy mountains 
whose summits touch the sky, over whose rocky chasms 
clouds float, an idyllic, solitary hut, built in the midst of a 
blooming meadow. Here stood this little innocent flower, 
which knew nothing of the world but these snowy mountain 
peaks, ravines, and valleys ; which perhaps envied her dis- 
tinguished sisters in the gardens and parks, who, admired by 
thousands of eyes, led a happy life, while she Avithered in 
oblivion. But see ! A tiny little foot climbs the rock, 
light garments float over moss and Alpine plants, the wind 
caresses wild golden locks, and a smiling face bends over 
the solitary flower. For the hand of the daughter of a 
prince broke this blue flower. Is not that a strange fate. 
Miss von Wetter, and a new proof that nothing in the world 
is so secluded that the sun of happiness cannot reach it ? ” 
Is the princess old ?” asked Josephine, instead of any 
answer. 

“ Old ?” Lehrbach laughed loudly. “ My dear child, a 
princess is never old, even if Methuselah were one of the 
playmates of her youth. Besides, ‘ old ’ is a word which is 
never used at court ; the people in the capital are always 
young, and if they'die it is always in their prime.” 


The Wild Rose. 


49 


But that is not possible,” replied Josephine naively. 

“ With God, and the inventor of Eaii de Lys de Lohse 
and Parisian rouge, nothing is impossible. But, joking aside, 
you ask whether Princess Sylvie is old. A delicate question, 
which you will perhaps consider answered when I assure you 
that the gayest of all princesses is passionately fond of — 
dancing cotillons.” 

“ With you ? ” Josephine glanced smilingly at him, even 
with a certain pride that the partner of a princess would 
shortly teach her and the pastor’s daughter Gretchen the 
graceful terpsichorean art in the Stauffen dining-room. 

Certainly ! ” nodded Gunther, with a slightly blas^ air, 
and the clank of his silver spurs added their melodious 
sound to the short laugh with which the young officer laid 
his hand on his friend’s shoulder, and continued, more ani- 
matedly : The letter of course came by a messenger, and 

I beg you to excuse me for a few moments. I should like 
to avail myself of the opportunity to send a despatch pre- 
senting my compliments in Berchtesgaben. Au revoir., and 
a thousand pardons.” 

And Count Lehrbach bowed politely but absently, gazed 
once more long and expressively into Josephine’s eyes, and 
turned hastily, to vanish behind the rocks, followed by his 
yellow mastiff. 

The other two remained in the ruins for a while longer, 
and it was astonishing how talkative and gay Mr. von Hat- 
tenheim became when he was left alone to entertain the 
young girl. 

Josephine listened to him with sparkling eyes, as Reimar 
enthusiastically praised his friend, acknowledged most un- 
selfishly his good looks and charms, and, with almost pater- 
nal pride, described how idolatrously the young count was 
worshipped by comrades and friends ; how he was the 
enfant gdti of the ladies ; how every entertainment in the 
4 


50 


The Wild Rose. 


capital turned on him and his highly elegant arrangements ; 
how a ball at which Lehrbach did not dance was neither 
chic nor amusing ; and how he had become, through his 
father’s position, even at court a daily and indispensable 
guest. 

How happy he must be ! ” said Josephine, drawing a 
deep breath, and her thoughts flew to the next winter, when 
she should witness all these triumphs with her own eyes, and 
which she should surely share at his side. 

Almost too happy,” said Hattenheim seriously. Too 
bright a light dazzles man and blinds him. Fortune is too 
flattering to Gunther ; he gives himself up to it unresistingly, 
enjoys the advantages of capricious destiny as if they were 
his right, and therefore neglects serious conscientious study 
of himself. I fear this cloudless sunshine will cause my 
friend’s noble and gifted nature to deteriorate, and instead 
of his character ripening to full maturity, it will be ruined 
by over-luxuriance, like thousands of others before him, 
who were too weak to endure continual fair weather.” And 
they walked on under the high arched beeches to the little 
pond. 

On the broad drive which led through the park lay a 
stem of wheat. Hattenheim saw it, drew back, bent, and laid 
the still-green stem at the side of the road. Josephine had 
passed on, but she saw him stoop, and turned. ^‘What are 
you doing? ” she asked in astonishment. 

Deep embarrassment flushed his face as he looked at her. 

1 did not want to step on it,” said he, as if in excuse. 

And whv not ? ” 

He smiled in his melancholy manner. “ It is a childish 
custom of mine, and a recollection of the time when I used 
to walk about the fields at home. I never had the heart to 
tread upon what God made grow for our benefit — what can 
allay the hunger of many a poor being. I always raised 


The Wild Rose. 


51 


them and put them aside, and I have kept that habit to the 
present days, even if in the capital I can seldom literally 
follow it. You will surely laugh at me, like Gunther, or pass 
it by as a whim under the modern motto, ‘ Chacim d son 
go^U: ” 

But Josephine did not laugh, but gazed thoughtfully 
before her. During his words it seemed to her that she 
once more saw her delicate rose petal die under Gunther’s 
foot. She raised her eyes abruptly, looked Reimar full in the 
face, and said warmly : ‘‘ I think you are a very, very good 

t 

man ! 




IV. 

Two weeks had passed, and not one day had ended with- 
out increasing the intimacy between Lehrbach and Gross- 
Stauffen. Either invitations were exchanged, or the two 
young officers appeared uninvited in Stauffen, to carry off 
Uncle Bernd and Josephine for a ride or hunt. For, since 
they had learned that Miss von Wetter was a rider as bold 
as skilful, and also looked surprisingly graceful and charm- 
ing in her deceased mother’s old-fashioned riding habit. 
Count Gunther was never tired of riding at her side through 
woods and fields, often improvising a little hunt with 
^‘Comrade Josephine,” or taking neck-breaking leaps to 
test the skill of his opponent. Josephine stood these tests 
brilliantly. Had she not from childhood participated in all 
that hussar officers call sport — leaped ditches and fences, 
ridden over the most uneven ground ? Had it not always 
been looked upon as a matter of course that she should 
assist Uncle Bernd in chasing unbroken colts, or carry him 
an important message from the house, at the maddest pos- 
sible pace — a ride from which the young lady returned with 
wildly floating hair? Lehrbach’s eyes often rested in sur- 
prise upon the little Amazon, whose slender form seemed to 
grow in the saddle, whose cheeks glowed, and whose golden 
hair, dishevelled by the wind, often hung like a shining 
mantle over her shoulders. How they flew over the fields 
together, how firmly the little ungloved hands held the 
reins ! At first Hattenheim had anxiously participated in 


The Wild Rose. 


53 


their mad risks, and overwhelmed Gunther with reproaches 
as he again and again challenged the young girl to new 
ventures, but when Uncle Bernd laughingly assured him : 
“Oh, that will not harm Phine, she hangs like a cat to the 
horse,” and when he had convinced himself of the unusual 
skill of the little horsewoman, he gladly accompanied her, all 
attention and yet carefully keeping watch over horse and rider. 

How memorable was one afternoon for him ! They had 
ridden out in the laughing, golden sunshine, through the 
fields, past a lake whose little waves plashed against the 
bank, and in which yellow water-lilies were reflected. 

“This place is haunted at night,” said Josephine, turning 
to them with a charmingly mysterious air. “ Mad Margaret 
sits on the bank and washes her wedding gown. Then one 
can hear her rubbing and dipping it, and the linen flutters 
in the breeze. Oh, it must be horrible to hear her singing 
and laughing — enough to turn one’s blood to ice ! ” 

“ Who is this cleanly young woman ? ” asked Gunther, in 
amusement, urging his horse closer to the speaker’s side. 
“ Is it as worth while to make her acquaintance as that of 
Lorelei, and Madame Venus ? ” 

“ Who is Margaret ? Why, she is the faithless spinner 
whose betrothed here sought his death on the day when she 
married another. As punishment she has sat here among 
the rushes for almost a hundred years, under a spell.” 

“The faithless Margaret,” sighed Gunther, with a long 
gaze into Josephine’s eyes. “That is what happens when 
beautiful girls trifle with men’s hearts. How is it in Stauf- 
fen now ? Are the people more faithful than a hundred 
years ago ? ” 

The sunlight irradiated her sweet face. Her whole soul 
was in the look which, hesitatingly, and yet unconstrainedly, 
she gave the handsome man. 


54 


The Wild Rose. 


“Yes, people now are faithful in Stauffen ; and always 
will be.” 

He sprang from his saddle. “ Then we will rob the 
wicked Margaret.” He smiled, and in spite of warning, 
approached the rushes and broke a yellow lily. 

It glowed like fire in the bright sunlight as Josephine 
fastened it in the breast of her dark habit, but Hattenheim 
lowered his eyes sorrowfully, and silently averted his head. 

The sun had vanished behind the dark pine tops when 
the little cavalcade trotted into the Stauffen court-yard. 
Count Gunther and Josephine in advance. 

“ Here, stop ! ” cried the young officer suddenly, catching 
her reins. “ The ground is uncertain here at the right ; 
turn to the left — avoid that pile of hay ! ” 

For a moment Josephine looked at him, speechless, then 
she laughed, and drew the reins energetically and cleverly 
from his hand. 

“ So anxious about this obstacle ? ” cried she, mockingly. 
“ That would be the first bit of grass which I ever avoided.” 
And with a scarcely perceptible flip of her whip the horse’s 
hoofs struck the pavement, the dark riding habit flew out in 
the breeze, and, light, graceful, and quick as thought, horse 
and rider took the leap over the the hay-mound. 

“ Famous ! On my word, brilliant ! ” And the hussar 
set his teeth, put spurs to his horse, and followed the young 
lady. “But as foolish. Miss Josephine, as an American 
duel,” he continued, drawing up at her side. “ I should 
nev^r have thought of inviting a lady to take such a risk. 
She must be a Renz or Hager, or some such half Centaur. 
You know that I am not thinking of my own neck, but of 
yours.” A cloud still was on his brow ; he drew up his 
horse and dropped the reins. 

Josephine turned her head, and her laughing expression 


The Wild Rose. 


55 


changed to startled amazement. ‘‘ Hov/ cross you look, 
and merely from anxiety on my account ?” 

He shrugged his shoulders and said sharply: From anx- 

iety on your account, and also because no cavalry officer is 
pleased to be considered a timid rider by a lady.” And he 
sprang down and threw the reins to the groom, who came 
hurrying up. 

For a moment Miss von Wetter was silent, and gazed 
thoughtfully at her hand, on which the reins had left a deep 
red mark ; then she turned to Mr. von Hattenheim, who 
stood ready to assist her from her horse. He looked pale, 
but he smiled. It was a pleasure to see you ! ” said he. 

“ And you were not anxious about my young life ? ” 

‘^No. I am too sure of your skill.” The thick leather 
glove of the young girl rested in his hand. Without answer- 
ing, only with a slight smile, Josephine slid down to the 
ground, nodded pleasantly to him, and went into the house 
to take off her heavy habit. 

She entered her room breathlessly, and pressed her hand 
against her beating heart. ‘‘ How strange it is ! ” she thought, 
with burning cheeks. “ And how different the two friends 
are ! — This tiresome Hattenheim, who, as I can see ten feet 
away, is wholly indifferent to me, and he, Gunther, who 
really and truly loves me ! ” And with a radiant smile 
Wild Rose peeped out of the window into the garden, from 
which a hum of voices came to her ear. There stood Hat- 
tenheim near the minister and her aunt, and with evident 
embarrassment stroked the curly head of an affectionate, 
rather obtrusive child from the parsonage ; while Gunther, 
somewhat aside, leaned against the arbor surrounded by the 
other little torments, whose dubious hands came nearer than 
was desirable to his light summer suit. 

But the lieutenant soon put an end to this, by seizing the 


7'he Wild Rose, 




boldest by the collar, and one after another he placed them 
in a row on the roof of the arbor. 

At first the children looked upon this as a joke, and 
laughed gleefully, but Gunther shook his finger at them, 
seized Hattenheim’s arm, and saying : “ So ! now we are 
rid of the little plagues ! ” calmly followed his father. 
Aunt Renate, and Mademoiselle, who had preceded them, 
into the castle. 

Piercing cries came from the arbor. 

But, Gunther, are you going to leave them there ? 
asked Hattenheim, stopping. 

Naturally ; then we are rid of them. They actually 
make me nervous,” and the young count mounted the steps. 
Hattenheim followed, but after a few moments he returned, 
ran quickly to the arbor, and set free the unwilling aero- 
nauts. 

According to general request, before supper, the first part 
of a quadrille was to be practised. Mademoiselle sat ready 
at the piano, but Count Gunther had not yet arranged his 
set. He danced with Josephine ; Hattenheim and Gretchen 
opposite, two of the older children made a third couple, but 
the fourth was wanting. 

Uncle Bernd, you must dance,” cried Josephine plead- 
ingly. And auntie, dear auntie, you too. You surely can 
remember how.” And she tried to draw her uncle away 
with her. 

Meanwhile Gunther tried to induce Aunt Renate. ‘^You 
forget how to dance, my dear madame ! ” cried he with 
quite an aggrieved air. “ I am to believe that ? — I, who am 
well posted in reminiscences of our capital, and have more 
than once heard papa say who was the belle of your day ? 
Did you not tell me so, papa ? and the baroness cannot deny 
it before you.” Gunther accompanied almost every glance 


The Wild Rose. 


57 


with a bow and glance at the old lady’s smiling face. His 
Excellency bowed chivalrously with a smile to the baroness. 

‘‘ One must be young with the young people, madame, and 
it would give me great pleasure to once more admire our 
most graceful lady dancer. Unfortunately my wretched 
asthma prevents me from offering you my arm, and only 
permits me to applaud you as a thankful spectator.” 

Aunt Renate felt much flattered. ‘‘ Well, to oblige the 
children, then — not because you paid compliments to my 
gray hairs, you wicked man,” and she shook her finger at 
the minister, and then laid her hand energetically on Uncle 
Bernd’s shoulder. Forward, my dear, and be careful that 
we do not disgrace ourselves.” 

“ But, my dear Renate, in these heavy boots t ” said Mr. 
von Wetter with sudden vanity. 

‘‘That is of no consequence, captain,” said his Excel- 
lency, smiling ; and Gunther and Josephine led the worthy 
pair in triumph to their places, and the lesson began. 

“I cannot keep a straight face, Fatty,” whispered Gun- 
ther to his friend as Josephine and Gretchen passed him in 
their heavy nailed shoes. The two old people will be the * 
death of me.” 

But Hattenheim did not smile. He even glanced with 
some emotion at Aunt Renate, who, gracefully holding out 
her dress on each side, courtesied and coquetted so daintily 
that a whole throng of quaintly costumed people seemed 
to rise before his eyes. 

Uncle Bernd also was young again, pressed his partner’s 
hand to his heart, and bowed so low that the modern young 
men seemed mere lay figures in comparison. 

Mademoiselle paused in exhaustion. Gunther kissed the 
baroness’s hand, and could not find words enough to express 
his admiration. 


58 


The Wild Rose. 


Then a half-hour for round dancing was granted them, 
and his Excellency begged permission to light a cigarette. 
Uncle Bernd looked as if he were about to exclaim, ^‘Oh, 
what innocence ! ’’ glanced anxiously at Aunt Renate, and 
coughed with embarrassment. 

The baroness seemed visibly taller ; she smiled her most 
charming smile, and nodded. ‘‘ Certainly, your Excellency, 
a cigarette is agreeable even in a lady’s room. My hus- 
band will fetch everything necessary.” And she turned to 
her husband with a significant glance. Be so good as 
to order your smoking set, Bernd. ” 

The captain beamed. “ Immediately, Renate, immedi- 
ately,” and turning to the minister, he cried courageously : 
“ Famous, my dear count. We will sit here on the sofa as 
audience, and have a comfortable smoke. Deuce take it ! 
but I have missed my old friend between my teeth.” And 
making a careful circuit around the rug, he left the room. 

There was a distant muttering of thunder, and a cool 
breeze blew in at the open window. Josephine leaned far 
out and drank in the fresh air which raised the curly hair 
from her heated brow. 

Gunther leaned against the window-frame at her side and 
looked down at her charming profile. “ Are you afraid of 
the storm ? ” he asked softly, and the glance which he gave 
her was no longer angry. 

She shook her head ; her whole face shone with happi- 
ness. “ Not to-day ! ” 

And why not to-day ? ” He bent nearer, and his white 
hand plucked a rose from the vine outside the window and 
mechanically scattered the petals to the wind. 

‘‘Because you are with me.” She said it so simply, so 
honestly and frankly ; she was like the rosebud between his 
fingers, still wholly a child, and yet ready to open her soul 


The Wild Rose. 


59 


in full, radiant splendor ; but the rosebud shed its petals 
in the hand of the young man as a plaything. 

So you like to have me with you ? You know that I 
would give my life to protect you ? ” Oh, dark, dark eyes, 
how magically you have imprinted your likeness in the 
young girl’s heart forever ! 

She breathed as if in a happy dream, nodded and smiled. 

If it could only be always so ! ” 

He raised a rose to his lips and kissed it, then he held it 
up in the blinding glare of the lightning and gazed at it. 

Do not wish that. Miss Josephine,” he cried, with a low- 
ered but still passionately excited voice. The present is 
still for you a veiled riddle, which only the future and the 
world can solve for you in a thousand rosy hours which, like 
these rose petals, spring from the calyx of joy. This is the 
future. Miss Josephine, this crimson blossom, and let us 
enjoy this future in delightful dance.” 

The young girl’s eyes hung as if bewitched upon the fra- 
grant symbol in his hand ; the glaring flashes of lightning 
bathed the rose in a glow of color. Then suddenly the 
heavy rain-drops began to fall, and trembled like tears on 
the flower. But Count Gunther hastily stepped back from 
the window, placed his arm round her waist and whirled 
away in a mad waltz, like the storm wind which seizes the 
blossoms and blows their petals to the dust. 

The weeks passed quickly as a dream. The days did not 
seem half so long as formerly to Josephine, and the hours 
which Count Gunther passed in Stauffen, or she in Lehr- 
bach, or in held and forest at his side, flew by as quickly as 
the dragon-flies in the bright sunlight which have long van- 
ished before one has fully seen and comprehended the 
mysterious fairy-like splendor of their beauty. 

Once more the blue summer sky arched above the lovely 


6o 


The Wild Rose, 


northern landscape, and yet it was as dull and gloomy a day 
for Josephine as if the whole firmament were a sea of tears. 
Her heart was filled with the deep, inexpressible sadness of 
parting. To-day it was to take place. And the count’s 
carriage rolled into the court-yard, and a few short hours 
passed, gayly and pleasantly as always, for Count Gunther 
was almost convulsed with laughter when he saw the pastor’s 
children shedding tears into large clean pocket-handker- 
chiefs in the garden, and Josephine was ashamed and choked 
back her tears. Why be sad ? In the winter they were to 
see each other in the magic land of all her golden dreams, 
the capital. It was all arranged, and so parting was easy 
for the young officer, and he himself joked at the departure. 

Only Hattenheim said sadly : The summer full of peace 

and happiness is over. Now come the autumn storms.” 
Josephine looked at him in agreement, and said : In the 

winter I am coming to the capital to dance at the court 
balls.” Then his honest face clouded, and he sighed : “ In 
the winter ! Yes ; but I am afraid that then you will find 
much ice and cold, but not everywhere ; even under the 
snow there will be blossoms awaiting your coming.” And 
he pressed the young girl’s hand with emotion, and then 
turned hastily away to bid Uncle Bernd farewell. But 
Gunther came up breathlessly, gave Josephine both hands, 
looked long and expressively into her eyes, and said : 
Farewell, Miss Josephine. We have passed a very idyllic 
time together ; pray keep of it and forme a friendly remem- 
brance, and make haste to bid this solitude adieu. A whole 
world full of joy and pleasure, brilliancy and splendor, 
awaits you ; so farewell until we meet in the capital ! ” 
And his dark eyes shone down upon her, and his hand 
clasped hers a last time. All this was a dream, for him 
one easily forgotten ; but for Josephine one of those first 


The Wild Rose, 


6 1 


unique dreams which are so enchanting to the human heart, 
but whose awakening causes bitter tears and vain regret. 

Then all was quiet and solitude in Gross-Stauffen, as it 
had been during all the former long years. But Josephine 
counted the days to their meeting in burning longing, 
quietly and sadly, as the bird in a cage, whose happy com- 
panions have sung to it from the blue sky a magic song of 
happiness, love, and liberty. 




V. 

The rooms of the Officers’ Club, in H , were celebrated 

for their elegance. The ceiling of the dining-room, built in 
the Old German style, was supported on slender pillars 
adorned with carving. That part of the walls which was 
not covered with Gobelin tapestry was frescoed by a well- 

known artist who had once served in the H hussars. 

Smoking and billiard rooms adjoined the dining-room on each 
side, most elegantly furnished with soft velvet easy-chairs, 
portieres, and divans. 

Although it was still afternoon, the chandeliers were 
lighted, and threw their soft radiance on the face, flushed 
with the* cold, of a man who just then entered. 

Ha, Clodwig, you have come just at the right time ! ” 
cried a man from a little table, at which two hussars and a 
civilian were playing whist. Come and take the place of 
our dummy.” 

Not to-day, friend^. I have no time, on my word,” 
cried Clodwig, the adjutant of the regiment, and shook his 
head as he glanced round the room. I have been looking 
for Lehrbach for half an hour, first in the riding-house, 
where he really should be, then in his apartment, where he 
is scarcely ever to be found, and finally here. Is he at 
breakfast ? 1 have some news.” 

News ? What the devil ! Lehrbach ! Fortunatus ! ” 
And as if electrified, the three sprang up. Of course he 

is here ; he is breakfasting with a guest — one of the D 

Ulans— over in the mess-room. There is his better self — 



The Wild Rose, 


63 


the way to his heart ! Hey, Hattenheim, where have you 
hidden his Majesty ? ” 

Reimar’s robust figure appeared between the dark-green 
portieres. He stood there, with his good-natured smile, a 
cigarette between his teeth, and pointed backward over his 
shoulder. 

He has a guest, has he not ? ” asked the adjutant. ‘‘ Well, 
it is probably a good chance for us to make the acquaintance 
of a golden neck of the family Grand Crernant Impe^dal. 
En avant,, messieicrs^ you will form the proper setting to my 
communication.” And, laughing and talking, they passed 
through two rooms and entered the mess-room. 

Count Lehrbach sat at the tastefully decorated table, at 
whose lower end a breakfast was laid for him and his guest. 
Three other comrades, also friends of the Ulan, had joined 
them. The gay crowd of young officers, led by Freiherr 
Clodwig, burst upon the quiet little circle like a storm. 
Greetings were interchanged. Lehrbach had risen, and 
rested his hand upon the carved back of his chair. 

‘‘ A telegram, Clodwig ? ” he cried, with slight surprise. 

Surely no mishap on the hunt.” 

The adjutant laughed, and a young officer tried to read 
the address on the telegram over his shoulder. “ All in good 
time,” said he, and laid his hand on Gunther’s shoulder. 
“ My dear Lehrbach, your mad prank will make you as 
famous as the great hero Munchausen’s encounter with the 
windmill. The first chapter is already printed here in the 
sporting journal. Hats off!” 

And with droll solemnity he held up the paper with the 
red-marked article to the assembly. 

Give it here I Let us see it ! Clodwig, relieve our 
suspense ! ” they cried, and all hands were held out for 
the paper. Read it aloud ! Listen ! Listen ! ” But 


64 


The Wild Rose. 


already Hattenheim had seized it, glanced quickly over it, 
and then handed it to his friend with a beaming smile. 

It is your race, Gunther.” 

Again universal exclamation, during which the young 
count glanced over the article ; the paper trembled between 
his slender fingers, and a slight flush rose to his temples. 

Of what race are they speaking ? ” said the Ulan, turn- 
ing to Clodwig, who smiled his politest smile and seated 
himself opposite his questioner. 

Has not the count told you of it ? What ! already in 
print, and still modest as a violet which blooms in seclu- 
sion ! A famous story, just like Lehrbach ; for ten days it 
has been the leading topic of conversation in the city and 
country round. You have heard of the little hunting-box, 
‘The Hermitage/ near here? Lehrbach made a bet with 
young Von Dahnwitz that he would ride there in the 
incredible space of ten minutes — ten minutes, I tell you. 
The bet was accepted, and our wild fellovv started. Be- 
tween here and the village Kentlin the railroad crosses 
the road. Lehrbach rushed ahead, saw both gates closed, 
and the train already only a hundred yards away. If he 
waited until the long freight train had passed, his bet was 
hopelessly lost. So putting spurs to his horse, he leaps the 
first gate, dashes over the rails, his horse's hoofs striking 
sparks, clears the second gate, and like the Wild Huntsman 
on his fiery steed, he tears past the horrified guard and 
reaches his goal actually in ten minutes ! What do you 
think of that, comrade ? I merely say the man must have 
been remarkably hungry, for his wager was, only fancy, for 
nothing more than a good breakfast.” 

“ A la bonne heure ! ” cried the Ulan, clapping Lehrbach 
on the back with just pride. “ You did well, old fellow ! 
but all the same you are and ever will be a dare-devil, and 



so, PUTTING SPUKS TO HIS HORSE, HE LEAPS THE FIRST GATE. DASHES OVER THE 
RAILS, HIS horse’s HOOFS STRIKING SPARKS, CLEARS I HE SECOND GATE 


A ^4 






The Wild Rose. 


65 


if I were your father I would have something to say to 
you.” 

But wait, gentlemen, wait. The end is yet to come ! ” 
cried Clodwig, with raised voice. I request silence while 
the telegram is read.” 

Aha, truly, the telegram ! Fire away, we are all atten- 
tion.” 

Here, Lehrbach, read it yourself.” The adjutant 
handed the young officer the despatch, and turned to the 
other men. “ The telegram was addressed to me, gentle- 
men, and is a proof to me with what a lucky fellow we 
have to deal. Referring to the article in the sporting 
journal, a member of the Berlin Jockey Club begs informa- 
tion per telegram of the horse and rider, and whether the 
latter has any inclination to sell, and, naturally, the pedigree 
and price of the brave runner. Well, Gunther, what do 
you say ? ” And Clodwig, interrupting himself, turned to 
the count, who had just laid aside the despatch with a 
flushed face. 

Lehrbach’s eyes shone, his lips twitched nervously, but 
his voice sounded as usual, and the slight gesture with 
which he invited the men to take seats was almost care- 
less. 

“ What do I say, my dear baron ? I am not sure as yet, 
but I rely upon the good advice of my friends here, and 
before all things, beg them to drink with me to the 
first appearance of my Mercury.” And the young officer 
put the despatch in the breast-pocket of his uniform, and 
turned quickly to the waiter to give an order in an under- 
tone. 

“Did I not say so.^ Grand Crejnant Imperial!'' cried 
Clodwig, standing behind his chair. “ What a shame that I 
have no time to see the bottom of the flask ! but his 


5 


66 


The Wild Rose 


Majesty’s service and a club breakfast do not go hand 
in hand. I should like to fulfil the wish of the Berlin 
gentleman, my dear count, and beg you kindly to inform 
me. In my opinion, you had better sell by all means, 
for between ourselves. Mercury has great endurance, and 
when the right one is on his back, looks very well ; but with 
that we are at the end of his advantages — he will never be a 
good horse for service.” 

Yes, yes, he is a brute ! ” cried a second lieutenant 
from across the table. I remember that afternoon of the 
manoeuvres, when I almost broke my neck on the accursed 
beast. Wherever in the whole region there was a ditch or a 
garden fence. Mercury scented it out, and before I could 
look about me I was over.” 

I told you that beforehand, Hassel. He is even spirited 
after a three-hours’ trot through sand. Here is a health to 
your saved neck.” 

Shall you keep him as a race-horse ? ” interposed Hat- 
tenheim, smiling. 

Nonsense ! You have Fancy Fair and Golden Dream. 
They are worth three Mercurys. ” 

“ First that, and second the brown is too heavy for the 
race-track,” said Gunther. Besides, he is too unreliable. 
I must always ride him myself, and that becomes tiresome. 
I could only use him for hunting.” 

‘‘ And that would not pay for his keep ! Have no 
scruples, Lehrbach, but get rid of the star-gazer.” 

For a good round sum,” said Hassel. “ It is in your 
own hands, and you should get a good price out of these 
rich Berlin fellows.” 

Let us say four thousand marks, and then good-by, 
Madrid.” 

What ! Four thousand ! Why, he cost that much,” 


The Wild Rose, 


67 


said Hattenheim. Let us always be gentlemanly. An 

animal which comes from the H hussar regiment costs 

five thousand even if it is lame in all four legs.” 

‘‘Bravo! Bravo! Fatty is right, telegraph him five 
thousand.” 

“ It is easy enough to come down a bit,” said Clodwig. 

Lehrbach laughingly drew out his pocket-book. “ My 
prices are always firm, my dear baron, and if my unknown 
admirer gives me five thousand marks for the animal he 
is his. Let us send him his answer. But first, gentlemen, 
your healths ! ” 

“Horse and rider! Vivat!"' they cried, touching the 
foaming glasses, raising them to their lips and faithfully 
draining them. 

Then Lehrbach opened his pocket-book and hastily 
tore a sheet from his note-book. Several loose papers 
fluttered down to the table, pencil sketches drawn by the 
count. 

“ Ah ! pardon, may our profane eyes admire them, mas- 
ter ? ” asked Clodwig, picking them up. “ ‘ Gooseherd 
Liesel.’ The devil ! — but that is a pretty face ! ‘ Drawn 

at Gross-Staiiffen in the month of June.' Listen, you knight 
without fear and without reproach. That is probably a little 
conquest of yours, pour passer le ternps ? ” 

Lehrbach laughed. “ ‘ Gooseherd Liesel ' ? Have you 
that in your hand ? Look at it closely, my friend. This 
young lady is not one of my small, but one of the greatest 
conquests which I ever made in my life. For whom do you 
take this rural beauty tending the geese ? ” 

“ Gunther ! ” Hattenheim’s figure was drawn up to its 
full height, his eyes were grave, almost gloomy, and rested 
reproachfully upon his friend's laughing face. 

“ Oh, don’t frown, Fatty ! ” said Lehrbach petulantly. 


68 


The Wild Rose, 


“ We are all friends, and these comrades have surely as 
good a right to amuse themselves with something unusual 
as we.” 

‘‘ I think so. You have hit it, count. You make us curi- 
ous ! ” came from the others around the table. 

Gunther, I beg you ! ” 

The young man made the gesture of an obstinate child, 
and drew down his lips ironically. “ Great heavens ! you 
need have no scruples, my friend ! we have more than paid 
for the different ham sandwiches and glasses of buttermilk 
with our invaluable dancing lessons, and, besides, are abso- 
lutely under no obligations to withhold our summer experi- 
ences from a jovial audience.” With a glance at Hatten- 
heim’s angrily flushed face, Lehrbach threw himself back 
in his chair with a loud laugh. For heaven’s sake. Fatty! 
smooth out your forehead, and do not take it amiss if I 
laugh ; but parbleu ! when you are furious you look strik- 
ingly like an omelet with raspberry sauce.” 

Hattenheim bit his lips. I know that one cannot 
reckon with you as vvith other men, who are discreet without 
giving their word, but in any case I should not wish to be 
guilty of such thoughtlessness.” 

Gunther shrugged his shoulders with an angry glance. 

You are a pedant, Hattenheim, and at times love to give 
lectures upon discretion ; 71'importe^ it takes all kinds to make 
a world, and if we were not so entirely different we should 
not be such good friends — therefore, long live extremes ! ” 
He quickly emptied his glass and continued : Now for 

Gooseherd Liesel, comrades ! I beg you to return the 
sketch, for it is destined to win favor in her Highness’ 
eyes.” 

“ Here, Master Lehrbach ; but now give us a detailed 
account of this charming acquaintance ! ” Clodwig jest- 


The Wild Rose. 


69 


ingly held the drawing, which had passed from hand to 
hand, behind him. 

Quite right, baron ; keep back the drawing as a pledge,” 
came from the others. 

Gunther had risen and lit a cigarette at the alcohol lamp. 
The bright light shone on his handsome, bold, careless face. 

What if I had been unselfish enough to invite this rustic 
jewel here for the coming ball season, my honored com- 
rades ? ” 

Loud laughter drowned the short Incredible ! ” which 
Hattenheim muttered between his teeth. Ball season ? 
She dance on her Highness’s parquet ? ” drawled one of the 
officers with exaggerated arrogance, but Lehrbach nodded. 

Order shoes of my man, my good fellow, so that I may 
make you acquainted with the young lady. Gooseherd 
Liesel will make her dibut nowhere but in the most exclu- 
sive court circle.” 

Again loud laughter. “We know you, Lehrbach!” but 
then the heads drew closer together, and the young count 
blew a few smoke wreaths and told of his first meeting with 
the Freiin Josephine Wetter von Stauffenberg — and how he 
told it ! So truthfully and yet so maliciously and agree- 
ably, so pitilessly exact, and, in spite of the mocking tone, 
so full of humor and gayety, that the peals of laughter of 
his audience echoed from the high-arched ceiling, and even 
Hattenheim involuntarily must join in, completely subju- 
gated by the charm which the witty rudeness of his friend 
always exercised over him. The young officer gave a vivid 
description of the quiet life in Gross-Stauffen to his inter- 
ested audience, and he rummaged through his pocket-book 
to find illustrations for his narrative. Then the flaxen 
heads of the parsonage children. Aunt Renate, Uncle 
Bernd, the yellow gala chaise, various types of the servants, 


70 


The Wild Rose, 


and finally Gooseherd Liesel again, in a stiff cotton gown 
and gigantic straw hat, and her hob-nailed dancing shoes 
were greeted with shouts of laughter ; and only when the 
great clock in the corner struck two, Clodwig started up 
with an exclamation, seized his sword, and shaking his fist 
at Lehrbach, cried : “I said so ! The tale of the Queen 
of Navarre, who held one with invisible bonds and made 
him forget time and duty, is nothing to you ! Where is the 
despatch ? Or better, you attend to it. I must go to the 
station, and the ground is burning under my feet. Au 
revoir, friends ! ” And with hasty greetings and hand- 
shakes, the adjutant rushed out of the room. 

The next day Count Lehrbach was walking along the 
promenade opposite the embassy, his head as usual thrown 
back, a very satisfied smile upon his lips, when a little 
English gig, driven by a' lady, behind whom, half hidden, 
sat a footman in the ducal livery, came tearing along. 
Lehrbach turned and bowed smilingly, with that graceful 
nonchalance which only the et2fa7it gai/ of a court could 
permit himself. Princess Sylvie noticed him, pulled in the 
horses energetically, so that they rose on their haunches, 
and nodded cordially to the young officer. 

‘‘Well, count, I hear you have sold your horse, and made 
a good profit by it,” she cried in her own peculiar, some- 
what coarse manner. “ I congratulate you ! Whom did 
you victimize ? ” 

Gunther laughed and gave the speaker one of his irre- 
sistible glances. 

“ A M-r. von Witzendorf, your Highness — a quiet, charm- 
ing man whom you would surely be far less willing to have 
break his neck than I.” 

The princess cracked her long whip, and her harsh, loud 
laugh rang out unrestrainedly. “ How do you know whether 


The Wild Rose. 


71 


I am interested or not in your neck ? I do not wish to 
break it, but bend it.” 

“ One cannot bow lower in the dust than before the most 
beautiful foot, your Highness, and is my neck too stiff for 
that ? ” 

“You are speaking foolishly, as usual. How much did 
you get for Mercury?” 

Lehrbach was far more privileged than others. “ Guess, 
your Highness ! ” said he, striking his sword against his 
patent-leather boots. 

“ That is a puzzle. Who knows the depth of a Berlin 
sportsman’s purse, or the cleverness of a man who sells his 
horse by telegram owing to a sensational account in a sport- 
ing journal ! I would not have given two thousand marks 
for the beast, I can assure you. When you rode him before 
me the first time, I told you that he danced on his front 
legs, and ” 

“ And gazed at the stars ! Quite right, but that is why I 
bought him, for like and like agree well ; and you know, 
your Highness, that I also gladly look up to where stars or 
a sun shine.” 

And Count Gunther threw back his head and glanced 
mischievously up at the princess. 

“ Flattery which no school-girl would believe, let alone a 
lady who has danced with you for two winters.” Sylvie 
drew in one of the horses, which was prancing impatiently, 
and laughingly showed her firm, beautiful, white teeth. 
“ You are an unconscionable sinner, conto mio, and to my 
regret I perceive that die sentence to Lehrbach solitude 
has been absolutely without good effect. Well, I shall take 
you energetically in hand this winter.” And she raised the 
whip threateningly at him, and then, hastily bowing, shook 
the reins. “ Au 7'evoir, I must drive these horses a little 


72 


The Wild Rose, 


further — they have become very restless from standing so 
long.” And in an incredibly short time the light carriage 
had vanished. 

Lehrbach twirled his mustache and looked after it. He 
watched the princess, the large, broad-shouldered blonde, 
in her short, tight-fitting jacket of rough cloth, perched upon 
the high driver’s seat. A bold man’s hat, with a dark brown 
veil twisted round it and fastened under her chin, rested on 
her reddish blonde hair. 

He smiled thoughtfully, and walked on. 

Her Highness was not pretty, but decidedly original. 
Her complexion was fresh, almost too fresh ; her blue-gray 
eyes, with their very practical expression, were shaded by 
pale lashes, and her eyebrows were of the same pale color. 
She had a saucy, upturned nose and a large mouth, and her 
hair was cut smoothly across her forehead, half concealing 
it. Her manners were like her looks. Her movements 
were abrupt, ungraceful, and often brusquely informal ; she 
liked to play the part of Amazon in actions as well as speech, 
and her loud, somewhat rough voice easily lent itself to 
something coarse or bizarre. Still there were moments when 
all this oddity melted into the sweetest, most charming wo- 
manliness, but this was in those rare moments when Princess 
Sylvie went to the piano and sang love songs in a rich, bell- 
like mezzo-soprano. Then sunlight seemed to rest on the 
smiling face, idealizing her whole appearance. But the 
princess seldom sang before strangers, and the circle of 
favored ones was so small that her fame was little noised 
abroad in a world which knew her only in the saddle. 

At the end of the promenade, where it turns into the 
principal avenue, the court messenger met the count, and 
bowed deeply. 

Pardon, count, if I detain you,” said he, with a polite 


llie Wild Rose. 


73 


smile. ‘‘ I just come from your rooms, where I have left 
an invitation from her Highness for this evening, at half- 
past nine. Prince Alexander wishes a game of cards, and 

as Chamberlain von Lensfield has sent his regrets ” 

The good Lehrbach must replace him ! ” the officer 
laughingly interrupted him. All right ; I will be there." 

Their Highnesses are to take tea in the apartments of 
the dowager duchess. I think, count," — a slight smile 
played about the lips of the old man, — “ that you would 
confer a great favor if you brought your famous portfolio 
with you. Her Highness is somewhat moody, a couple of 
your droll little sketches would bring sunshine to us all — 
they like to laugh in the tower room." 

Lehrbach nodded. Very much obliged ! I have al- 
ready promised to tell the princess all the news of this last 
summer. To be sure, it is not society exactly suited to a 
court which I present, but all the more original. Good-by, 
then. At half-past nine ! " 

Gunther proceeded along his way, and the sun which now 
burst from the clouds was reflected upon his merry face. 




VI. 

Duke Franz Eginhard, the reigning prince, was twenty- 
eight years old, and still unmarried, despite the information 
which frequently appeared in the newspapers of plans and 
intentions as yet unfulfilled. 

The young prince had been recalled from an Oriental 
trip, most unexpectedly, by the news of his father’s sudden 
death, which made it necessary for him to take the reins of 
government in his own hands. The widowed duchess, his 
mother, still lived in the new palace with her two younger 
children. Princess Sylvie and Prince Detleff, who at present 
was studying at the university of the capital. 

Some distance further in the park, a little castle built in 
the Renaissance style, called the Pavilion, and really destined 
for the dowager duchess, was still occupied by the brother 
and sister of the deceased duke. Prince Alexander and the 
Duchess Marie Christiane. ' 

Seldom did a lackey flit noiselessly through this vestibule : 
seldom did a carriage roll over the faultlessly kept gravel 
road, and pause, with foaming horses, before the portal 
— only when formal visits were paid to Prince Alexander or 
Marie Christiane, or upon particular festival days. The 
frequent guests of the pavilion came chiefly on foot — tall, 
dark women’s forms, with rosary and prayer-book in their 
hands ; with the white head-covering of the deaconess ; 
with reports of hospitals and poorhouses ; with floating 
widows’ veils and tearful eyes. 

Marie Christiane was the widow of the late Prince Fred- 


The Wild Rose. 


75 


erick Max, the brother of the late ruler and his surviving 
brother, Prince Alexander. Almost thirty years ago she 
had come to the capital with her husband from her South 
German home ; the only Romanist at court, the only relig- 
ious woman among a frivolous circle, the only stranger. At 
first it had been believed that time would wear off the sharp 
edges of difference, and lead to that indispensable harmony 
whose absence was so painfully felt during the first years of 
Marie Christiane’s life there, but this was a mistake. The 
gulf between the stranger and the ducal family grew wider 
and wider, at first ignored, and with difficulty concealed, 
until finally even the restraint of chilly and ceremonious 
politeness would scarcely bridge it over. But the last bond 
between pavilion and palace was broken when Prince Max 
died, urging his wife, as his last request, to bring up their 
only daughter in his own home. 

Then new chains bound the dutiful wife to an unloved 
spot of earth. Pier widow’s mourning permitted her to live 
quietly and secludedly in her little castle, devoting herself 
to the education of her child and to numerous benevolent 
societies. But malicious fate again crossed her path. The 
little princess died. Apparently she caught a fever in a 
city hospital to which she had accompanied her mother, 
who had wished to early accustom the child to pity and 
interest in benevolent works. Then all hopes were at an 
end, and the stranger was alone — wholly alone, with her 
two graves. 

But for the time the gay carnival life in the palace was 
necessarily stopped, and angry eyes flashed, and malicious 
tongues made cruel remarks about the pious woman ” in 
the pavilion. From that time an icy wall of separation rose 
between palace and park castle, and society was openly 
divided into two hostile factions. All the gay visitors of the 


76 


The Wild Rose. 


palace pitilessly hurled stones of calumny at the house on 
the seven hills.” 

But Marie Christiane bowed her pale face like a lily over 
which a poisonous storm is passing. Calmly and quietly 
she lived on, answering malice with good deeds, unalarmed 
by secret and open enemies, for whose welfare she was con- 
tinually striving. 

Through the whirling snow-flakes, the minister’s carriage 
rolled into the palace courtyard. 

The usher, in his gorgeous livery, threw open the folding 
doors, his smile proclaiming how often he had received this 
welcome guest. 

The young offlcer hastily entered, and carelessly touched 
his cap, threw his overcoat to a servant, and, as an old 
acquaintance, sprang up the white marble stairs. Through 
a door hung with Turkish portieres he entered the ante- 
chamber of the dowager duchess and passed into the gal- 
lery. Under a chandelier, in the full glare of the light, 
stood a little group of ladies and gentlemen chatting 
together — the men in uniform, the ladies in light evening 
gowns. 

The smaller of the two ladies had her back turned to 
Lehrbach. Dark curls clustered on her graceful neck, her 
little head perpetually moving here and there as she talked 
animatedly. This was Countess Susanne Aosta, a South- 
erner, who had resolved to take the vacant place of a maid 
of honor when her father, the Italian ambassador, was re- 
moved by death from his brilliant position. 

Opposite her, scarcely lady-like, with crossed feet, and 
perched upon the arm of a chair, was Miss Use von Dien- 
heim. Princess Sylvie’s companion, her hands clasped 
around her knees, staring, yawning, at the speaker. Miss 


l^he Wild Rose. 


11 


Von Dienheim, in looks as well as manners, was a faithful 
copy of the princess. 

Noiselessly Lehrbach advanced over the soft carpet. 

Coute que coute^ I shall not rest until I have told her 
Highness. I would rather bite off my finger than be silent 
about it,” he heard Countess Susanne say sharply. Then 
one of the men started from his attentive position, and held 
out his hand in welcome to Lehrbach. Immediately the 
countess turned. Heavens, how you frightened me ! ” 
cried she, with charming reproach in her dark eyes. Lehr- 
bach seized her offered hand, and looked down at it in 
amusement. 

Do you know, countess, that there would be little left 
of this miniature sample if you should bite off one of the 
liliputian fingers ? ” said he gallantly. It would be a ter- 
rible robbery of the enviable person whose life is to be held 
in this little hand.” 

I become weak,” said Miss Use, with a grimace. But 
Countess Susanne showed her white teeth in a smile, and 
turned gracefully on her high little heels. 

“You are a dreadful man, Count Lehrbach,” said she 
coquettishly, putting both hands behind her back. “ And 
if I were not so vain of the size of my gloves I should think 
you were mocking me.” 

“ And thus wrong me terribly ! ” Use coughed and 
struck her fan against the chair. “ Oh, you reprobate ! ” 
she cried, without the slightest prudery. And the man 
at her side laughed as heartily as his tight cravat would 
permit. 

Lehrbach bowed. “ Before all things, let me undergo an 
examination before you confer this new title upon me,” he 
laughed. “ And open the chronique scandaleuse before me at 
the chapter which so enraged Countess Susanne with her 


78 


The Wild Rose. 


little finger. I promise you that I shall argue to the best of 
my ability.” 

That venomous old serpent, Mrs. von Norbach, has 
again displayed her malice, and honored Princess Sylvie and 
me with her interest,” said Use, indifferently. “Bah! 
what do I care ? She may talk until she is black in the 
face.” 

“ About Princess Sylvie ? ” Lehrbach drew nearer, and 
set his teeth in his lower lip. 

“ Yes. Only think, count, what impertinence ! ” in- 
terrupted Susanne, cuttingly. “ This shameless creature 
openly, at a tea naturally chiefly composed of creatures 
from the pavilion, permitted herself to speak of Princess 
Sylvie and Use as ^ the mad princess and her dragon.’ It 
seems to me that her Highness should hear this, and learn 
how dear friends reward her kindness.” 

But Gunther threw back his head with a laugh. “You 
give too much importance to this old-wives’ gossip. I would 
never honor a Mrs. von Norbach by paying the slightest 
attention to her remarks or criticisms.” 

At this moment Prince Alexander’s adjutant entered 
noiselessly, and announced importantly : “ Their Highnesses 
are about to enter,” then quickly turned and bowed almost 
to the ground as the ducal party came in. 

The dowager duchess was a tall, slender woman, with a 
proud carriage and much natural dignity. The sharply cut 
features of her still very fresh face seldom changed, however 
animated her Highness was, except her large eyes, which at 
one moment flashed magnetically upon her surroundings, 
only in the next moment to chill heart and soul with their 
icy glance. 

The ruling duke had inherited these eyes, as well as the 
sharply cut mouth of his mother, whose downward curving 


The Wild Rose. 


79 


corners often gave a harsh, pitiless expression to the whole 
face. He walked at her side, her hand rested firmly on his 
arm. 

“ Ah, here is our good Lehrbach ! ” said she, nodding to 
the young officer with the most flattering cordiality. ^‘Back 
again from your hunt 1 That is right, nion ami. We cannot 
think of the capital without ‘ sunshine.’ ” And she gave 
him her hand, which Count Lehrbach, more chivalrously 
than devotedly, drew to his lips. 

The duke also greeted him almost familiarly, and Princess 
Sylvie whispered to Use von Dienheim, in a not too soft 
whisper : It is really maddening. The fellow grows hand- 

somer every day.” 

In the little “Richter salon,” which owed its name to the 
many valuable paintings of this master that adorned its 
walls, the two richly spread tea-ta])les were placed. Before 
a sofa the smaller table, set for six only, at which their High- 
nesses were to sit, and in the middle of the room the table 
for the ladies and gentlemen of the court. 

Count Lehrbach had gone with Miss von Dienheim tow- 
ard the second table, but the dowager duchess turned her 
head and cried : “ I wish to have the interesting portfolio, 
with all the new sketches, together with the author of the 
same, near me.” And with a smile she pointed to the arm- 
chair at her side, which Lehrbach took with a deep bow, 
and saying, “Your Highness makes my modest sketches 
my most enviable possession.” 

The duchess rose from the table sooner than usual 
to-day, laid her hand on her son’s arm, and allowed him to 
lead her to a comfortable chair in the music-room, where 
she again called Count Lehrbach to her side with a few 
flattering words. 

“ Now comes the dessert, my dear count, which your 


8o 


The Wild Rose, 


industry has, I trust, provided for us,” she said smilingly, 
unfolding a large fan. ‘‘ I have already heard strange 
accounts of your Robinson Crusoe life at Lehrbach, and 
look forward to your illustrated account.” 

Princess Sylvie noisily dragged a chair to Lehrbach’s 
side, pulled Use down beside her, and then bent curiously 
over the portfolio which Gunther drew from his pocket with 
several gallant remarks. 

Uncle Alexander has just come,” said she, with a 
gesture toward the adjoining room, and has already 
drawn the card-table up before him. We must hasten to 
begin looking through your souvenirs, or else they. will 
drag you away, count.” Her eyes met Gunther’s and then 
glanced with a pout at the door in which the bent form of 
the old prince appeared. 

A short, somewhat bored, greeting, and then Duke Franz 
Eginhard rose with a gay laugh. 

Ah, uncle, accept me for an opponent for a while. I 
see that the count is again indispensable, and would suffer 
from a change. He is not lucky at the card-table, so much 
the more at a tea-table. Alors laissez U courir ! ” 

Princess Sylvie nudged Use, and both tittered behind 
their fans, but Gunther bowed, laughingly shrugged his 
shoulders, and said with a droll look of injured innocence : 
There is nothing for me to do but be silent, your High- 
ness ! ” 

The dowager duchess nodded with satisfaction, and 
after the gentlemen had withdrawn turned to her maid of 
honor. “ Dear Aosta, I have a longing for some of your 
charming Wagner potpourris. Will you be so kind as to 
favor us with one ? ” The countess silently bowed, bit her 
lips, and went to the piano, to open the instrument with an 
angry face. At that moment Prince Detleff stepped up 


The Wild Rose, 


8i 


and took the music from her hand with charming interest. 

Play for your most enchanted listener, countess,'’ he 
whispered, bending his head close to her curls, and as if by 
magic, radiant sunshine beamed from the mobile features of 
the Southerner, and her dark eyes flashed a silent answer to 
him. 

Softly she struck the chords ; the young prince leaned 
over the instrument before her, and his eyes never left the 
flushed face, which, fully conscious of her piquant beauty, 
she had turned in profile towards him, and occasionally 
with sparkling eyes she gazed up at her most enchanted 
listener.” 

From the table near by the unmelodious laughs of Sylvie 
and Use, who bent nearer and nearer together over the 
interesting sketch-book, were mingled with the sweet har- 
monies of the love song from Die Walkiire!' 

The dowager duchess fanned her heated face with her 
lace handkerchief, and exclaimed breathlessly to the young 
count : “ Cease, you mocking man, or I shall have Gross- 
Stauffen on my conscience ! ” And she held the sketch of 
the pastor’s children in the summer-house in her hand, and 
laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks. 

I must see Gooseherd Liesel, if I have to walk to 

Gross-Stauffen ! ” cried Sylvie. It is too absurd. And 

when I think of the dancing lesson, you as Maitre Rocco, 

and the good Hattenheim gracefully balancing — ha, ha, ha ! 

Here he is ! Bravo ! Brilliant ! Oh, and this fat machine 

is probably Aunt Renate ! Incredible ! Count, you are a 

fiend — but excellent, one can see the people before one ; 

and here — oh, mamma, look here at the old pastor ! ” And 

Sylvie pushed the paper across the table, threw herself 

back in her chair, and gave such hearty expression to 

her amusement that Countess Susanne broke off with a 
6 


82 


The Wild Rose, 


harsh discord, and she and Prince Detleff approached the 
table. 

Just then the duke appeared in the doorway; behind him, 
full of curiosity, was his chamberlain. 

“ Pray, dearest love, look at these things,” cried Sylvie, 
whose face was flushed crimson, to her brother ; and all drew 
nearer, looked, laughed, and listened with delight to Lehr- 
bach’s description, which held up Gross-Stauffen and its 
inhabitants in the most ridiculous light. 

Gross-Stauffen ? Freiherr von Wetter ?” the duke sud- 
denly looked up thoughtfully. I have heard this name 
recently, but in what connection ? — Wetter — Wetter von 
Stauffenberg ? — old country nobility. I think the court 
marshal made some announcement.” 

“ Oh, you have heard already of the adventures of this 
pathfinder, who has caused more talk in the city than 
Wilhelm Busch’s latest work,” laughed Sylvie. But Franz 
Eginhard shook his head thoughtfully. Mr. von Reuen- 
stein drew nearer, bowed several times, and whispered : 
Will your Highness permit my modest information to 
come to your assistance ? By chance, I learned of his 
Excellency the court marshal, that a family Wetter von 
Stauffenberg, of Gross-Stauffen, have announced that they 
will participate in the court festivities of the coming season, 
and in fact, as the original letter announced, at the kind 
invitation of Count Lehrbach.” At these last words a 
malicious expression crept to the speaker’s thin lips, and 
with a certain excitement he watched the effect of his 
words, and started in complete astonishment v/hen a burst 
of laughter, in which Gunther joined most heartily, ensued. 

“ That was excellently planned, count,” cried Princess 
Sylvie in delight. ‘‘ For that you shall accompany me at 
our next sleighing party in spite of all the world, and shall 


The Wild Rose. 


83 


drive, and even if you upset the sleigh it will have no effect 
upon my good opinion of you.” 

Gunther crossed his arms over his breast. Gooseherd 
Liesel has become the happy star of my life, your Highness, 
and repays all my thorns with roses.” 

But the duke cried gayly: ‘‘Quite right ! That was why, 
when the name was mentioned to me, I found it wrong 
that one of the oldest families in the country had so long 
lived in retirement. As wandering chronicle, my good 
Reuenstein, you can probably also tell me when they are to 
arrive.” 

“I am fortunately able to tell you this also, your High- 
ness. Baron von Wetter wishes to present himself, together 
with his wife and niece, the middle of next month, on the 
occasion of your Highness’s birthday.” 

“ Next month ! As soon as that ? ” came from the circle. 
Countess Susanne pointed to a very sarcastic drawing of 
Aunt Renate, pressed her handkerchief to her lips, and 
cried : “ Let us hope, not in this costume ; ” and Use 

added dryly : “Heaven forbid ! it would frighten even the 

lackeys.” 

“I will answer for nothing,” said Gunther gayly, “except 
for universal amusement, and a very original carnival of 
costumes of the ‘good old time.’ ” 

Then Prince Alexander impatiently clamored for the 
continuance of his interrupted game. Reuenstein rushed 
forward to smooth down the corner of a rug before 
his Highness’s feet, and Prince Detleff’s eyes persuaded 
Countess Susanne to finish the “love duet.” 

But Gunther sat comfortably between the dowager 
duchess and Princess Sylvie, and knew of no one in all the 
world who was happier and more contented than he. 



VIL 

The months had passed slowly at Gross-Stauffen, to one 
at least of its inmates. Aunt Renate had been busier than 
ever, and went about the house with an anxious face, often 
sighed deeply and shook her head. No one knew how hard 
it was for her to leave her home for months. Uncle Bernd 
also stood thoughtfully before his stalls, gazed distrustfully 
at his beautiful horses, and thought : How shall I find 

you when I return? Ah well, it is for the child’s sake; 
Phine must dance and be happy ! ” 

At length the cold November day arrived when the yel- 
low coach stood before the door, and the children from the 
parsonage ran to and fro with tearful eyes, and crammed 
numerous parcels, bags, and boxes into its roomy interior. 
Then Aunt Renate came out in her violet velvet bonnet, and 
cloak smelling strongly of camphor, embraced the pastor’s 
sobbing wife, and said : “ I rely upon you, my dear. You 
will look after things a little for me, and write to me how 
everything goes. I had thought it would be easier for me 
to do anything than to leave Stauffen, but it is all for 
Phine’s sake.” 

With much ceremony, first Aunt Renate, then Uncle 
Bernd, lastly Josephine and Mademoiselle were assisted 
into the chaise, while the children set up heart-rending cries 
and waved their handkerchiefs. 

With burning cheeks, sparkling eyes, and a beating heart, 
Miss von Wetter took leave of her home. Tears had never 


The Wild Rose. 


85 


been further from her eyes than at this moment for which 
she had so longingly waited, which was a turning point in 
her life, and seemed but the rosy morning flush before the 
fiery dawn of happiness. 

After they had left the carriage, and, seated in the 
train were rushing along as if bewitched through the 
snowy northern landscape, Josephine leaned back in the 
corner and gazed out at the rapidly changing scene — at 
first with a feeling of timidity which soon, however, changed 
to delight. 

Sooner than they had dreamed possible, the towers and 
spires of the capital rose in view, only here and there 
hidden behind the forests of pine which interrupted the 
monotonous plain. An indescribable feeling filled Jo- 
sephine’s heart. Near him again ? Perhaps in a few 
minutes I shall be at his side ! Oh, you long, painful wait- 
ing — you are at an end now forever.” And she pressed her 
glowing little face against the window-panes, in whose icy 
covering her breath had melted a large open space, and 
looked out upon the platform, where perhaps he was stand- 
ing and waiting for her. 

With a shrill whistle, the train rushed into the glass- 
roofed station ; there was a deafening noise — laughs, cries, 
and rumbling — and then a guard threw open the door and 
cried in a deep voice : “ Ten minutes 1 Change cars for 
Braubach, Zenten, and Dromnitz ! ” and Uncle Bernd, who 
was all ready with parcels and bags, said anxiously : 

Quick, come quickly ! ” and pushed Josephine before 
him out into the hurrying throng. 

Then she experienced her first bitter disappointment. 
Aunt Renate steered courageously for the waiting-room, a 
gruff baggage-man following with the luggage, and Uncle 
Bernd grumbling in the rear. 


86 


The Wild Rose. 


Josephine gazed anxiously through the crowd, starting 
joyfully when she perceived a hussar uniform, and doubly 
disappointed when the wearer proved to be a stranger. 

He did not know when we were to arrive,” she finally 
consoled herself by thinking, and the surprise will be all 
the greater.” And she followed Aunt Renate, wondering 
that all the people looked after her and laughed. 

“ Oh, look at the hat ! ” she heard a snub-nosed boy 
say, and saw his red hand point to the Freifrau’s violet 
bonnet. It looks as if it came from a masquerade. Come, 
let us see where it is going.” 

Josephine stared at the pert boy in astonishment. He 
was hopping along beside Aunt Renate, making faces. 

Oh, they do not know us,” she thought. It is because 
we are strangers, and they are astonished at the beautiful 
best hat.” And with a superior smile she climbed into the 
great hotel omnibus which was to convey them at last to 
their destination. 

The snow fell thicker and thicker ; it was so dark that 
one could not see the faces of the passers-by ; here and 
there were brightly lit shops, and there was such a rattle of 
carriages, confusion of voices, and noise about her that 
Josephine closed her eyes wearily. 

I'he child is quite worn out,” nodded Aunt Renate. 

It was a tiresome journey, and my joints ache. To-night 
we will have supper up in our rooms, and then hurry to 
bed so that Phine shall not look like a ghost at the ball day 
after to-morrow.” And she gathered up the bags, and rose 
with a deep sigh. “ Thank God we are here ! ” 

Josephine sat before the tall glass while Aunt Renate 
arranged her hair with her own hands for the court ball. 

Smooth and snug, so that it does not fly all around 


The Wild Rose. 


87 


your face after the first dance,” said she, and twisted the 
lovely blonde hair so tightly and stiffly upon the top of 
Josephine’s small head that it stood out from her in a 
most remarkable manner. Pomade was not spared ; every 
curl must lie so flat and smoothly plastered down on her 
forehead that one could almost see one’s own reflection 
in the shining locks. Around the knot of hair, Aunt 
Renate fastened a heavy wreath of red and white camel- 
lias, which she had personally selected, for Phine must 
wear fresh flowers such as had been the fashion when 
the Freifrau had danced here at court as Countess Mal- 
witz. 

The young girl smiled at her reflection with great, radiant, 
happy eyes. She certainly looked very different from 
usual, but decidedly more dressed, as was suited to the 
solemn occasion, and auntie said, as she inspected her 
from all sides : So, now you are ready, and look very 

nice. The wreath is fastened on firmly, and cannot fall 
off when you dance ; but I beg you not to be too wild, 
Phine.” 

Miss von Wetter threw her beautiful white arms — as 
round and perfectly formed as those of the marble statuette 
on the chimney-piece — around the speaker’s neck, full of 
passionate tenderness, and kissed her. Her little heart was 
too full to find words to express all that she felt. 

“And now, your frock,” continued the Freifrau, dictato- 
rially. “ Have you put on four white skirts ?” 

Josephine nodded, and looked down at the stiffly starched 
skirts which stood out in a manner equal to the stiffest 
crinoline. The slender figure vanished in them as in a huge 
inflated balloon, but the old lady said calmly : “ Keep your 
hands away from them ; they will be crushed only too much 
in the carriage as it is.” And she took out of a large trunk 


88 


The Wild Rose. 


a white muslin dress, freshly ironed and starched — a true 
masterpiece of finest embroidery. 

The young girl’s eyes shone with delight ; she stroked 
the many flounces tenderly, which were so richly adorned 
with flowers falling one over the other, and edged with real 
lace. Oh, even the princess herself would not have a more 
expensive gown. 

Aunt Renate also gazed at it tenderly. 

“ Yes, yes, Phine ; I once had great triumphs in that, and 
wore it the day I saw my dear husband for the first time. 
He stepped on my foot while he was dancing with the little 
Brandan, and then we exchanged words for the first time, 

danced an extra, and, yes, yes Now, my dear, hold 

up your head so I can throw the skirt over your shoulders. 
Now the body ; keep your hands off, and hurry a little, the 
half-hour has struck already.” 

With a flushed face the Freifrau completed the young 
girl’s toilet, tied around her waist a bright red sash which 
had been modern twenty years ago, and fastened a bunch 
of camellias to her shoulder. 

Aunt Renate’s gown also, after a twenty-years’ sleep, un- 
changed, was about to appear in the palace halls through 
which it had once rustled as an envied triumph of the 
modiste. 

A dark violet velvet train fell over a petticoat of delicate 
shaded damask, trimmed in stripes with expensive lace, 
which was fastened with amethyst clasps. Although the 
material and lace were very handsome, and neither faded 
nor yellow with age, still the whole appearance of the old 
lady was indescribably old-fashioned and unusual — as 
we are accustomed to see in humorous characters on the 
atage. 

Then Uncle Bemd appeared in his frock coat, white vest, 


The Wild Rose. 


89 


and with his order in his button-hole. They got into the 
carriage, and with feverish pulses Josephine was whirled 
away out into the great gay world. The door banged after 
her, as if fate had closed forever behind her the golden 
door of happy childhood. 




VIII. 

The large square palace lay brilliantly illuminated in the 
midst of the cold, snowy landscape. Carriages thundered 
over the asphalt pavement, and the pompous lackeys in 
their crimson liveries and with powdered heads flew to and 
fro, opening the doors ; there was a rustling of silk, satin, 
and filmy lace, a rattle of spurs and sabres, over the 
crimson-carpeted steps. 

The whole hall was changed into a garden ; through the 
gilded balustrade nodded blooming elder and fuchsias, 
oleanders shed their rosy petals, delicate ferns trembled at 
the shock of the footsteps which uninterruptedly ascended 
the stairs. The folding doors stood wide open, granting a 
full view of the reception rooms where the dazzling light 
was reflected by hundreds of mirrors. 

Gay, happy life pulsated beneath these lights. A luxuri- 
ant chaos of brilliant toilets and sparkling jewels, inter- 
spersed by the most different uniforms : court officials, the 
military, representatives of foreign powers, of art and sci- 
ence, and even the worthy heads of the church. 

Almost stunned by all this fairy-like, hitherto unknown 
splendor, Josephine crept anxiously on behind her aunt ; 
her heart seemed to stand still at sight of this strange, 
laughing, merry crowd, and the blood rushed to her cheeks 
and temples. 

Numerous heads turned hastily to the doorway, as the Frie- 
herr von Wetter, his wife, and niece entered. It seemed as 
if a sudden silence fell upon the large room ; then there 


The Wild Rose, 


91 


was a whispering and laughing, and a single exclamation, 
wholly incomprehensible to the three, flew like an electric 
spark from mouth to mouth : Gooseherd Liesel ! ” 

Josephine did not see the glances which rested upon her ; 
she had lowered her dark lashes, and scarcely dared breathe. 
Mechanically she followed her aunt, who advanced, with 
head held high, surveying her surroundings. 

All strange faces ! 

Then a man’s tall form stepped out from one of the 
groups of elderly men, went up to Uncle Bernd with 
charming courtesy, and introduced himself : Chief Court 

Marshal Count Lattdorf.” 

The captain gave him his hand, and introduced his wife 
and niece. A weight seemed to fall from Josephine’s heart 
when he greeted them so pleasantly in the name of their 
Highnesses. 

But then he begged Josephine and her aunt to follow 
him, he wished to introduce them to his wife, and scarcely 
had they advanced a few steps, when a tiny, very pale lady, 
with a winning smile, stood before them, murmuring pleas- 
ant words of greeting. 

My daughter Ange,” she added, and a slender blonde 
bowed deeply over Aunt Renate’s hand, and then turned her 
gentle, dark, dove-like eyes upon Josephine. 

Have you a dance card. Miss von Wetter ? ” she asked 
pleasantly. ‘‘ I will give the master of ceremonies a sign. 
Count Lehrbach was here a moment ago ; now he has flown 
away like a butterfly to the most distant and loveliest flowers.” 

At the mention of this name, Josephine had looked up 
with radiant eyes. Oh, yes, the count ! If he would only 
come ! ” said she, with a sigh of relief. 

“You already know him !” said Countess Ange, with a 
look which seemed compassionate. “He will surely speak 


92 


The Wild Rose, 


to you soon — if he has time, that is ; for you must know 
that Prince Fortunatus is a man greatly in demand. I will 
introduce you to the court ladies and young girls, while 
mamma is talking to your aunt. Come ! ” And a painted 
satin fan beckoned to her to follow. 

Then she stood before a group of young ladies, all of 
whom were presented to her, but not one of whom met her 
cordially or offered her hand. They stood there like marble 
statues, scarcely bent their heads, turned from her with 
ostensible haste, and laughed and whispered among them- 
selves. 

Only Miss Use von Dienheim placed herself directly in 
front of her, looked her boldly in the face, and asked, with 
a strange grimace : Why did you not bring the pastor’s 

children with you ? ” 

Then all laughed aloud; but Josephine was about to ex- 
plain happily that they could not leave Gross-Stauffen, when 
Countess Ange, with a gloomy frown, took her arm. 

Come, Miss von Wetter, let us join your aunt,” said 
she, and led the young girl away. 

But you must tell us about them later ! ” Miss von 
Dienheim cried after her very loudly, and again there was a 
laugh from the bystanders. 

It was very tiresome to walk behind Aunt Ren ate, and 
make a deep courtesy to all the older ladies. None of them 
spoke a word, and as soon as they had passed, lorgnons were 
raised and heads put together. 

Only a few times were words exchanged, when Aunt 
Renate met a few former acquaintances and even relatives. 
Then she stopped, and had a great deal to say to them, and 
Josephine stood alone and felt very uncomfortable. 

‘‘ Where can he be ? ” she thought, rising on her tiptoes 
and glancing around the room. Ah ! there he stood, behind 



OH, HOW DELIGHTFUL IT IS TO SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN ! ” 


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The^ Wild Rose. 


93 


her in a doorway, laughing with Countess Aosta and Miss 
von Dienheim ; and now, now he glanced over at her 
hurriedly. Had he recognized her ? He laughed again, so 
heartily, and now — no, he is not coming — be is going out of 
the door ! 

Josephine buried her teeth in her full lower lip, and could 
have cried with impatience and grief. Then a well-known 
voice met her ear ; near Aunt Renate stood Hattenheim. 
Hattenheim, the good old friend, who will now tell him 
immediately that she is here. 

The tall, blonde man comes up to her, and holds out his 
hand with hearty pleasure. “ Oh, how delightful it is to 
see each other again ! ” 

And Josephine involuntarily clings to this hand, and sud- 
denly does not feel so deserted. They have much to talk 
about, and Hattenheim hands her a little dance card, and 
begs for the first dance. 

Josephine nods with satisfaction. Hattenheim beckons 
to a very young officer, and looks as if he would bite him. 

‘^You have a dance left, Brocksdorff ? he asks in a 
commanding tone. 

For a moment the lieutenant hesitates in the most painful 
embarrassment. “ If rny superior commands ! ” says he 
between his teeth, and bows to Josephine. “ May I ask for 
the polka before the cotillon, mademoiselle ? ” 

Josephine mechanically gives him her card ; she has no 
idea what importance attaches to such an engagement. Mr. 
von Brocksdorff scratches his name, glances furiously at 
Hattenheim, and silently goes off. 

My dear baron, look out ; you will fall upon Charyb- 
dis ! ” he cries very loudly to the adjutant of his regiment, 
who is about to pass Hattenheim. 

“ Ah, dear Mr. von Hattenheim, do me the kindness to 


94 


The Wild Rose, 


call Count GUnther to me ! ” begs Josephine, with moist 
eyes, gazing pleadingly up at the young man, who draws a 
deep breath, presses his lips together like one in pain, and 
looks sadly down at her blonde head. 

I will look for him, Miss Josephine,” says he quite 
strangely ; but I do not know whether I can find him. This 
smooth parquet is like a deep sea — many remembrances and 
much happiness are wrecked upon it.” And he goes away 
with bent head. 

Again Josephine stands alone. Then she sees the min- 
ister in one of the doorways, standing beside Uncle Bernd. 

Her heart beats happily ; she does not stop to consider ; 
she makes her way through the crowd, and hurries up to 
Gunther’s father. 

How do you do, your Excellency ? ” she whispers 
softly. 

The kind face, with the weary eyes, is hastily turned to 
her. 

“ The wild rose ! ” he says, smiling, taking the young 
girl’s right hand between both his hands, and no longer in 
her home, but in the vase of the princely palace, among the 
proud blossoms of our capital ! You are heartily welcome 
here, and much success and happiness to your debut I ” 
And his eyes wander over her form, and a melancholy smile 
passes over his colorless lips. Why are the dear wild 
golden locks so tightly imprisoned ? ” says he softly, and 
tries to loosen a few curls over her forehead. ‘‘ Make haste 
to dance the blonde halo around your face, or I shall not 
recognize the little Josephine of Gross-Stauffen. Have you 
seen and spoken to my son yet ? ” 

Josephine shakes her head sadly, and a shade passes over 
the old man’s forehead. 

“I will send the bad man here at once/’ says he, pressing 


The Wild Rose, 


95 


her hand — as soon as I have greeted your aunt.” And 
he once more nods to her, and beckons to Uncle Bernd to 
take him to the Freifrau; but then he stops, lays his hand 
on his forehead as if trying to recollect something, takes 
Josephine’s dance-card from her hand, and looks quickly at 
it. It seems as if his expression becomes gloomy. He 
glances at the wall, against which a number of young men 
are leaning, beckons to a civilian, and turns again to Miss 
von Wetter. Baron d’Ouchy,” he introduces to her, ‘^a 
young attache who at present is connected with my cabinet. 
My right hand,” he continues jokingly, who will esteem 
it an honor to write his name instead of mine after one of 
these dances.” And he once more nods and goes. 

D’Ouchy bows silently. He is tall and slender, his face 
looks pale in contrast with his black hair, and two glowing 
eyes, in which passion, intellect, and gloomy pride form a 
strange, fiery mixture, are fixed upon the young girl. He 
softly repeats his request for a dance. Josephine looks up 
at him, she herself does not know why, but she smiles 
and says pleasantly : Certainly, Mr. d’Ouchy ; I should 

prefer to dance a waltz with you, for I can dance that 
best.” 

He still gazes at her, and says : ‘‘ Then give me the waltz 
before supper, and I shall have the privilege of taking you 
in to supper.” 

She only nods, and her bright eyes look up at him thank- 
fully, but d’Ouchy only bows silently, writes his name, and 
returns to his place. 

It seems to Josephine that he is still staring at her ; but no, 
not he alone, all eyes are fixed upon her, and the faces which 
are turned to her look so mocking ; and they put their 
heads together and laugh, certainly laugh at her. 

What is there that is so laughable in her? Anxiously she 


96 


The Wild Rose. 


turns her head, and for the first time looks in the tall mirror 
behind her. She stares at herself in amazement. Is this 
shapeless white colossus with the glaring sash and standing- 
out skirts she? Yes, now for the first time she realizes how 
different she looks from the other young girls, in their 
clinging, shining silk gowns. 

The blood rushes to her cheeks ; she draws quick breaths 
as a crowd of new arrivals press in front of her ; she presses 
further back against the purple velvet portieres — ah, if she 
could but draw the heavy folds over her gown, so that it 
would not look so broad and stiff ! 

Shyly and anxiously she waits there, pressed against the 
doorway, and thinks with trembling heart : Ah, if he 

would only come and think me pretty, all would be well 
again ! 

Then a voice rings in her ear, she quivers as if from an 
electric shock, and her heart almost stops beating with 
rapture and delight. Close beside her, only separated from 
her by the portiere, she plainly hears Count Gunther speak- 
ing. He is standing in the adjoining room, and has no 
suspicion how near his Stauffen friend is to him. 

Ah, pardon, Brocksdorff, a word,” she hears him call, 
as clearly and laughingly as at home in Lehrbach, when he 
used to tell her of the gay life out m the great world. Tell 
me, my dear Brocksdorff. I saw you fall a victim to Goose- 
herd Liesel’s dance-card. Do me a great kindness, and tell 
me for which dance you are engaged to the unfortunate 
little Mont Blanc ? ” 

You may well laugh,” replied another voice, half an- 
grily, half humorously. It is all your fault. Here, the 
polka before the cotillon ; can you read ? There, as the 
sole blot upon my card, stands written : ‘ Gooseherd Diesel.' 
Are you satisfied, Fortunatus ? ” 


The Wild Rose. 


97 


Thanks, a thousand times !” replies Lehrbach, with a 
laugh. will at once hasten to engage her for this polka. 
She is already engaged for it, and I shall have at least gone 
through the form of asking her.” 

“ You do not mean to dance with her at all ? ” 

But, my dear fellow, as master of ceremonies, I cannot 
make a spectacle of myself ! Her little Highness would be 
convulsed with laughter if I should whirl such a ridiculous 
partner through the room. Oh, no ; I am too vain for that ! 
Once more, a thousand thanks, and — courage ! The polka 
before the cotillon is a long way off. Perhaps you may yet 
be rescued.” And again there is a burst of laughter, the 
heavy folds of the portiere are drawn aside, and Count Giin- 
ther hastily enters the room. He glances around as if in 
search of some one, but he does not see Josephine. 

A sad feeling fills the young girl’s heart. Who may the 
poor Gooseherd Liesel be, of whom he spoke so harshly and 
mockingly, and whom he intends asking for the polka before 
the cotillon ? Poor, poor thing ! if she is perhaps fond of 
the handsome man — perhaps as fond as she herself is ! 

Her eyes, all feverish longing and expectation, rest upon 
his face, and as if he had felt their gaze he turns his head 
at that moment ; their eyes meet, and he hurriedly comes 
up to her and holds out his hand. 

‘‘Why, how do you do. Miss Josephine ! What a delight- 
ful surprise to see you here ! ” And in fact, his face ex- 
presses the greatest astonishment. “ Hattenheim has just 
told me that he has already had the privilege of greeting 
you.” His dark eyes gaze into hers, and he continues, 
reproachfully : “ I am always unlucky, and come too late.” 
And he takes the dance-card from her hand. 

Her little face, so disfigured, alas ! by wreath and the 
arrangement of her hair, wears a deep flush. She looks 
7 


98 


The Wild Rose, 


happily up at him. All her waiting, grief, and disappoint- 
ment are forgotten in the rapture of this moment. 

Oh, no ! You are not too late. Count Lehrbach,” she 
said, with a sunny smile. In thought I greeted you first 
of all here in the capital and in this room, and could 
scarcely wait until I should see you again. Oh ! how happy 
— how very, very happy — I am to be here ! ’’ 

He lowered his eyes for a moment. And how are all in 
Stauffen ? ” 

Oh, I have so much to tell you about them all, and have 
so many messages for you from them. You will stay with 
me now, will you not ? And come and speak to aunt and 
uncle ? ” She looked up pleadingly, and pointed her ill- 
gloved hand to them. But Gunther tapped his foot im- 
patiently. 

“Miss Josephine,” he began, turning his back to the 
room and smiling at her pleasantly, “ do you not know that 
I am master of ceremonies, and have a great deal to do ? 
You must not be vexed if I can be with you this evening 
less than I would like, but my duties — vous comprenez, and 
most certainly I will make up for it later. I will call as 
soon as I can find time. Give me a dance, and then we can 
talk during that time. I hope our cards will agree. Had 
I only known that you were coming, I would have kept 
the cotillon for you, but as it is, happily, I have the polka 
before the cotillon unengaged. May I ask for that ? Let 
us see ! ” And he glanced at her dance-card. 

“ The polka before the cotillon ? ” It came like a cry 
from her lips. 

“ Oh, how unfortunate — already engaged ! ” cried Lehr- 
bach, feigning disappointment most brilliantly. “ That 
is malicious fate. I am awfully sorry, but — Heavens I 
What is the matter with you V 


The Wild Rose, 


99 


Josephine clutched the arm of a chair which stood against 
the wall behind her. Her face was deathly pale, her lips 
quivered, and her large eyes were fixed upon him, while the 
hand which she pressed to her heart crushed the white 
camellias. 

Are you not well ? May I take you into the next room ? 
asked Lehrbach, hastily. His eyes wandered past her to the 
doors before which the marshal appeared with his long staff 
and struck it three times upon the floor. A sob came from 
Josephine’s breast. 

Their Highnesses are coming; for God’s sake, Miss 
Josephine, are you ill ? ” the handsome man repeated, more 
impatiently than anxiously. 

Then she shook her head. Her face and voice were both 
wholly changed. 

“ It is over. Count Lehrbach,” said she. ‘‘ Pray do not 
neglect your duties.” And without awaiting a reply, with 
head proudly erect, she crossed the room to Aunt Renate, 
who sat upon a divan alone. But Lehrbach had scarcely 
heard her words ; all his interest was concentrated upon the 
ducal party, which he hastened to meet, joining the rank of 
men and smiling and bowing deeply. 

Mechanically as a marionette, pale as the white, fading 
flowers of her wreath, Josephine had bowed when she was 
presented by Countess Aosta. Her staring eyes had been 
fixed upon the brilliant dowager duchess, a few cordial 
words were murmured for which however she had no com- 
prehension, and when the noble lady concluded by saying, 
‘‘You intend remaining some time with us, do you not?” 
Josephine once more courtesied and said, in a hoarse, 
strangely rough voice : ‘‘God only knows.” 

An astonished look met her, and the princess passed on. 
But a tall, slender form, in a long, trailing black velvet gown, 


100 


The Wild Rose, 


the Duchess Marie Christiane, bowed kindly to Josephine, 
and her gentle, sad eyes were fixed gravely upon her as she 
said : “ Then, I hope, my dear baroness, that you will be a 
frequent guest in the pavilion, and will tell me all about 
your quiet, peaceful home.” 

Then it seemed to Josephine that she must throw her 
arms around this sweet woman’s neck, and say ; ‘‘ Yes ; I 
will love you.” But she only nodded silently, and felt the 
tears rush to her eyes, and Marie Christiane followed her 
sister-in-law, bowing silently to the rows of ladies. 

Come into the next room. Miss von Wetter,” said Miss 
von Dienheim’s harsh voice suddenly, close to her ear. 

Princess Sylvie wishes to make your acquaintance.” 

Josephine started, and glanced angrily at the court lady, 
then set her teeth and followed with head erect. 

Princess Sylvie stood surrounded by young ladies and 
gentlemen ; she just then snatched her costly feather fan 
from Count Lehrbach’s hand and said, in her loud, metallic 
voice : Give it here, I need it myself in this suffocating 

heat,” and she fanned herself so violently that the chenille 
fringe of her corsage fluttered up and down. She wore a 
gown of delicate, silver-worked green crape, floating down 
from her tall figure in a long train, and all around the hem 
of her gown white water-lilies were fastened in graceful 
bunches. Emeralds sparkled in her blonde hair and on 
her neck, which, like her arms, was plump and red and con- 
trasted strikingly with the delicate shade of the crape. 

Her eyes rested upon Josephine in unconcealed curiosity ; 
then, with a laugh, she held out her hand. 

I am glad to see you. Miss von Wetter,” said she, visibly 
amused. “ Count Gunther, your summer admirer, has told 
us a great deal about you, and could scarcely wait for your 
coming — eh, Sir Rover ? ” And Princess Sylvie threw back 


The Wild Rose. 


lOI 


her head and glanced mischievously at Lehrbach. All 
right ! ” said he, fanning himself with his dance-card. 

Josephine stood motionless ; she did not look at Count 
Lehrbach ; her large eyes were fixed upon the princess. 

‘‘ I hope you will like it here,” continued the latter, gayly, 
‘ and easily accustom yourself to your new surroundings. 
It is probably the first time that you have been away from 
Gross-Stauffen ? ” 

“ The first and certainly the last time, your Highness,” 
replied Josephine firmly. 

Aha, you mean to stay here always,” said Sylvie. Quite 
right ! Such a country hole must be terribly tiresome. I 
also have little taste for rustic life. Come on, let us dance ! 
Detleff, see if the bowing and scraping is at an end in there — 
and no waltzes, only galops ! Do you hear. Count ? I am 
in a stormy mood to-night.” 

Prince Detleff dropped the eye-glass through which he 
had been surveying Josephine, skilfully avoided Miss von 
Dienheim’s train, and said to her very audibly : “ Magnifi- 
cent eyes ! Really altogether not so bad as it seemed at 
first sight. But three cows would find food enough in that 
wreath.” 

Use and the bystanders laughed, but Josephine still re- 
mained motionless ; it is doubtful if she applied the words 
to herself. 

The chamberlain of the dowager duchess, with many 
‘^pardons,” now pushed his way through the crowd which 
had immediately formed around Sylvie and Josephine, and 
bowed deeply before the princess. 

Your Highness, her Highness the Duchess requests your 
presence,” said he with an important air. “Her Highness 
has already taken her place among the ambassadors and 
their wives.” 


102 


The Wild Rose. 


Thank heavens, the dancing is to begin ! ” cried Sylvie, 
hastily turning toward the door of the adjoining room. 

Count Lehrbach will open the ball with me — keep by my 
side.” 

And, in defiance of all etiquette, she laid her hand on the 
arm of the young officer, and allowed him to lead her into 
the ball-room. 

The duchess’s lady-in-waiting stepped up to her. 

‘‘ Pardon, your Plighness, if I must disregard your ar- 
rangement,” said she, plainly enough to be heard by all. 
“ It is the wish of her Highness your mother, to distin- 
guish the Belgian ambassador by allowing him to open the 
ball with you.” 

That old Van Ozede ! ” Sylvie almost screamed with 
laughter. “ The man who swings through the room as if 
he were mowing wheat ! Indeed I should not dream of 
such a thing ; Aunt Marie Christiane will probably under- 
take it in my place — ask her.” And amidst the applause of 
the bystanders Sylvie leaned more firmly upon Lehrbach’s 
arm, and continued : Come, count, we must begin before 

Mynheer Van Ozede gets such an idea into his head. Let 
us begin dancing at once.” 

Lehrbach seemed to grow in height ; he glanced proudly 
and triumphantly around the breathlessly attentive crowd. 
At that moment the first strains of music rang through the 
room. 

“ Come ! commanded the princess, and the next mo- 
ment she was whirling through the room in Gunther’s arms. 

Prince Detleff stood expectantly with the Countess Aosta, 
near his mother's chair. He turned his head in amazement, 
and, like his mother, for the moment stared speechlessly at 
the door before which the crowd suddenly parted, as Sylvie 
and Count Lehrbach danced through it into the room. 


The Wild Rose, 


103 


Ha, ha, ha ! See, mamma, she does as she pleases ! ” 
cried Prince Detleff, with much satisfaction, bowed to Aosta, 
and whirled away with her. The place for dancing was 
small enough between the rows of couples, but Princess 
Sylvie and her handsome partner danced long and un- 
weariedly, as the princess loved to do. 

The duchess was not angry. “ A remarkably decided 
character,” said she, with a nod of satisfaction to Marie 
Christiane, who was seated beside her. With her it is bend 
or break. But I like that in young people, especially with 
Sylvie, who has had her own way from childhood. Her 
youthful defiance has become iron-firm energy, and that 
always reconciles me to her occasional extravagances, which 
are only proofs of her strangely strong character.” And 
she glanced after the young couple who flew past her and 
then stopped directly in front of her chair. 

Laughingly she shook her fan at them. But Lehrbach 
bowed deeply over her graciously extended hand, and 
kissed the slender fingers. All the curious eyes saw nothing 
unusual. The favorite, Lehrbach, stood behind the duchess’s 
chair, and talked with her like one who is as sure-footed 
upon the slippery ice of a court floor as upon his own native 
soil. 




IX. 

Josephine stood quite alone and forgotten in the room, 
when Princess Sylvie left on the arm of her partner, and the 
other ladies and gentlemen had hurried after her. The 
strangeness of her position overwhelmed her ; she could 
have cried with pain and sunk down under the weight of 
her crushed happiness, but she pressed her lips together and 
stood erect. Ah, if she could weep ! If she were only 
alone ! The glare of the lights hurt her eyes ; the gay music 
went to her heart. 

Suddenly a voice says softly behind her : Miss Joseph- 

ine, how hard you have made it for me to find you ! Come, 
let us dance.” 

Then her blue, almost unnaturally brilliant eyes look up 
at him. ‘‘You wish to dance with me, Mr. von Hatten- 
heim ?” she asks softly, with trembling lips. 

He looks at her in surprise. “ Certainly, Miss Josephine, 
I have been looking forward to it, for this is the first time 
in years that I have danced here at court.” 

Her eyes meet his, so thankful, warm, and happy, and yet 
filled with tears. 

“ How good you are ! ” she whispers. “ Certainly you, 
who would not tread upon a stalk of wheat, would let no 
human heart pine in grief, and I understand that for the 
first time to-day — to-day ! ” She trembled slightly. 

“ Miss Josephine, what is the matter ? Heavens, what a 
change ! ” he stammers, flushing to the roots of his blond 
hair. “ Are you ill ? You look so pale.” 


The Wild Rose, 


105 


She shook her head with a heart-rending smile. 

There are illnesses for which there is no remedy, but 
which no one sees.” 

Will you not dance ? ” He takes her hand and draws 
it through his arm. 

Then he feels a passionate pressure of the trembling 
fingers ; she raises her face to him ; a hot blush suffuses her 
pale face. ‘‘ No, I will not dance with you ! ” cries she 
quickly, excitedly, for that would be a poor reward for all 
the kindness and self-sacrificing friendship which you have 
shown me to-night. You, the only one who took pity on 
me this evening — should I expose you to the mockery of 
these people ? Should I condemn you to disfigure your 
dance-card with the perpetual blot of disgrace : ‘ Gooseherd 
Liesel ’ ? Should I so injure you as to make the tour of 
the room with you ? I, the ridiculous, laughable dancer ! 
Oh, no, Mr. von Hattenheim, I am far too proud for 
that.” 

The simple, happy child from Gross-Stauffen no longer 
stands before him. It is a grave woman, years older, from 
whose sparkling eyes the veil which formerly hid life and 
the world has fallen. As the fearful hail-storm wildly 
seizes the rose-bud, and shakes it with its rough breath 
until the tender leaves unfold and the rose bursts open into 
blossom, so the storm of life had blown this young budding 
soul to the ground, in order to triumphantly raise it a full- 
blown rose. 

Hattenheim stood there with a pale face ; his breast rose 
and fell heavily. 

Miss Josephine,” came from his lips like a groan, who 
has dared to insult you so ? Who was shameless enough to 
accuse my friend Lehrbach ? ” 

Then she raised her head with gloomy defiance. Do 


io6 


The Wild Rose, 


not ask,” said she shortly, interrupting him almost roughly, 
‘‘ and be convinced that I would never have listened to 
calumny, for I know no greater happiness than belief in 
honesty and fidelity. I beg you never to mention this 
hour to Count Lehrbach. I beg it of you as my friend. 
Let him think that I still think of him as I did in Gross- 
Stauffen.” 

Oh, that you should in reality,” cried Hattenheim 
excitedly. Do not judge Gunther too harshly. Miss 

Josephine. He is not as bad as it may seem to you. A 
child of fortune, a petted, much-desired, vain man, but 
good, good and noble at heart, only thoughtless. Do not 
be angry with him, I beg of you. Everything will yet 
come right.” 

The young girl’s mouth wore a bitter smile. May your 
friendship be rewarded as it deserves,” said she softly. 
‘‘ And now please take me into the ball-room. I should 
like to see Princess Sylvie dance.” 

He looked at her sadly. Come,” said he, “ perhaps 
the gay dancing will give you other thoughts.” And he 
set his teeth and frowned. I suspected it would be 
so. Ah, if I could have prevented it ! ” he murmured 
to himself. 

Countess Ange came to meet them. I have been look- 
ing for you, my dear Miss von Wetter,” said she, in her 
pleasant, gentle way. “ And you must permit me to look 
after you a little to-night. A young lawyer is anxious to 
be introduced to you, and begs the next dance if it is 
unengaged. Will you be so good as to bring Mr. von 
Landeck to us, Reimar ? ” 

Mr. von Hattenheim bovved quickly. He saw Josephine’s 
astonished look, and smiled. 

“ Countess Ange is my cousin,” said he with a warm 


The Wild Rose. 


107 

$ 


glance at her. ‘‘ So I shall be doubly glad if you two are 
good friends.” 

That we will be,” smiled Josephine, with sweet sin- 
cerity. ‘‘You already seem like an old acquaintance. But 
why are you not dancing ? ” 

Ange pressed her hand. “ I do not dance at all at 
present,” said she. “ I was ill this autumn, and have 
to be prudent. But I can talk to you all the more, 
and tell you the names of the different people present.” 
And Countess Ange Lattdorf seated herself upon a soft 
divan, and motioned to Josephine and Hattenheim to do 
likewise. 

The music rang out joyously, and Princess Sylvie, her 
cheeks flushed crimson, and her head almost resting on 
her partner’s breast, flew past them. But Josephine closed 
her eyes and mentally saw the crimson rose, the symbol of 
the future, in Gunther’s hand, lit up by the lightning and 
with tears in its calyx. 

Count Gunther had thrown himself into a comfortable 
arm-chair in the small gallery which connected the con- 
servatory with the white drawing-room. Two already 
emptied champagne glasses stood before him on the mantel- 
piece, and he fanned himself carelessly with Use von Dien- 
heim’s fan. 

Hattenheim appeared in the doorway, glanced around the 
room, and then hurriedly approached Gunther. 

His face was strikingly pale, and his eyes, usually so gay 
and mild, were gloomy. 

“ Ah, Fatty, does longing drive you to me ? ” said Lehr- 
bach, stretching his arms with a yawn. “ I have worked 
like a horse this evening. Sit down, old fellow^ ! ” 

But Hattenheim did not stir. He gazed at Lehrbach as 
if he would read his soul. He saw that the young officer 


io8 


The Wild Rose. 


avoided his gaze, that his gayety was forced. He pressed 
his lips more tightly together. 

You are right, Gunther, it is a gay evening — so gay that 
I myself intend dancing.” 

Count Lehrbach looked up in surprise. Reimar’s words 
and tone seemed so unsuited to each other. ‘‘ Aha, you 
are going to dance Good, Fatty! You deserve a great 
reward, and this strengthens me in my opinion that you 
are a fine fellow. I can imagine for whom you intend 
sacrificing yourself in the cotillon. I relied upon you, for 
naturally I — you understand, Reimar, as master of cere- 
monies — could certainly not dance with her.” 

‘‘No ; as master of ceremonies one cannot dance with a 
Gooseherd Liesel — one would be too exposed to ridicule, 
and that is not advantageous for Princess Sylvje’s protege^'' 
said Hattenheim with a bitter smile. “ I never expected it 
of you either, Gunther.” 

“ I know that I deserve your reproaches, but I beg you to 
choose another time and a different place for your tete-d~ 
tetel' The young officer had bent his handsome head for 
the moment ; he drew a long breath and held out his hand 
to Hattenheim. “ If she had only worn a different gown, 
Reimar I but this ridiculous finery of her grandmother — by 
Heavens ! I would rather dine on gruel for two weeks than 
present myself this evening with the unfortunate girl ! ” 
Gunther forced himself to take a careless tone, pressed his 
friend’s hand, and said with his irresistible, charming smile : 
“ I have amused myself so delightfully this evening. Fatty, 
be so kind as not to pull such a long face ! Come to break- 
fast with me to-morrow, and tell me your whole opinion of 
me, that I am a thoroughly bad fellow, and I will bear it 
like a lamb, only you must forgive me,” he added, with 
mock humility. 


The Wild Rose, 


109 


Reimar looked sad. “ I cannot reproach you here, 
Gunther,” said he very gravely. “I have no right to ; but 
another reason brings me to you — a reason at which you 
will probably laugh heartily, but which should prove to you 
how conscientious I am.” 

“ Fire away ! ” Count Gunther glanced up at his com- 
rade with eager interest. 

Do you remember a ride we took soon after I first came 
here ? ” began Reimar, “ when we exchanged opinions, and, 
so to say, renewed the bond of our friendship ? ” 

“ Naturally,” said Gunther, somewhat surprised, motioned 
to a waiter, took a glass of champagne, and offered it to 
Hattenheim. He took it, and sinking down in an arm-chair 
beside Lehrbach, where he could see his face plainly, he 
continued : We jokingly agreed never to enter the lists 

against each other in a love affair, and I promised to ask 
your Majesty’s consent in case I ever proposed — falling in 
love. At that time I considered this an impossibility, and 
did not believe that I should ever speak to you of this ; but 
I was mistaken, and I come to you now in fulfilment of my 
word.” 

Reimar ! — Fatty ! ” cried Lehrbach, starting up and lay- 
ing both hands on his friend’s shoulders, gazed at him with 
flushed face ; but Hattenheim repulsed him gloomily, shook 
his head almost defiantly, and continued icily : 

So I ask you, dear friend, whether I shall be your rival 
if I sue for the favor of Miss von Wetter — Gooseherd 
Liesel ? ” 

Fcr a moment Lehrbach looked as if he did not know 
whether this was a jest or earnest, but then he laughed 
loudly, threw himself back in his chair, and cried : “ No, 
by heavens ! No, Reimar ! Take her, she is yours, and 
my blessing into the bargain.” 


no 


The Wild Rose. 


“ Thank you ! ” Hattenheim’s voice sounded ironical, but 
his eyes shone strangely. 

Lehrbach grew serious. 

Hattenheim, I hope you are joking; you wish to vex me 
in a very strange manner.” 

‘^Certainly not.” Reimar rose, and stood drawn up to 
his full height before the young officer. It is well that our 
tastes differ. I hope they will continue so, and the word 
which you have given me,” here his voice grew threatening 
and sounded like a challenge, will be the foundation of 
our mutual happiness, for it is the word of a man of honor.” 
He held out his hand almost imperiously, and Gunther 
clasped it with an expression as if he would say : Ta7it 

de bricit poiu' une omelette ! ” Then he seized his champagne 
glass, raised it to Reimar, and emptied it hastily. With a 
shrill sound the silver chain which hung 'from Use’s fan 
struck the thin glass, and a broad crack ran around the 
carved rim. 

Neither of the two men seemed to have noticed it. 

Au revoir^'' said Hattenheim, and turned to go. But 
Lehrbach held his hand in a tight clasp, bent close to his 
face, and said frankly : 

This tete-a-tete was very strange, Reimar — do we part 
friends ? ” 

Then the honest blue eyes looked at him with a strange 
expression, an indescribably self-sacrificing and mournful 
love shone from them ; for a moment the two friends gazed 
into each other’s eyes, then Hattenheim drew a deep breath, 
and said with sharp emphasis : I came to you as a friend, 

Gunther, and go as such ; but how sincerely I mean with 
you, and how much the friendship is worth to me, only the 
future will show.” He returned the hand pressure quickly, 
^ almost violently, then turned away and left the gallery. 


The Wild Rose, 


1 1 1 


Lehrbach looked after him. A strange fellow,” he 
thought, “but he has a heart of gold. You are right, you 
unsuspecting world, when you call me Fortunatus.” 

Hattenheim went directly to the wife of the court mar- 
shal. 

“ My dear aunt, may I beg a few minutes’ conversation ?” 
he whispered to her, in the midst of the noise of the music. 
Countess Lattdorf nodded pleasantly to liim, rose, and 
taking his arm went to a somewhat secluded corner 
divan. 

Hattenheim spoke for a long time in a low voice, and 
very persuasively — he could plead like a child. 

The countess listened without once interrupting him. 
Then she laid her small hand on his arm and gazed fully at 
him. “ You are a good fellow, Reimar, and I will do all 
that is in my power to assist you. I was just speaking with 
Mrs. von Wetter. She is highly indignant at their cool, 
unfriendly reception, even by old friends who have scarcely 
found time to greet her. She also seems very vexed that 
Josephine has received so little attention, and declared to 
me very decidedly that this is the first and last ball which 
she will attend during their stay in the capital ; she wishes 
to return to Stauffen. But I will try to fulfil your wishes, 
and will also seek opportunity to express to the duchess my 
opinion of such treatment of an old family. The slightest 
sign from her Highness would suffice to completely restore 
the position of the Wetter family.” 

Hattenheim pressed her hand in unspoken thanks, but she 
continued teasingly : “ And if Madame Renate absolutely 
cannot be induced to remain here, dear Reimar, what order 
would you bestow upon your aunt if she should offer to keep 
little Josephine here this winter as her guest ? ” 

“For such extreme goodness and kindness no order has 


1 12 


The Wild Rose, 


yet been founded, dearest aunt, for it is unique of its kind,” 
cried the young man, with flushed cheeks. I cannot 
even lay heart and soul at your feet, for you have long been 
mistress of them.” 

“ I will accept the thanks which your beaming eyes ex- 
press as my reward,” said his aunt, smiling. But I give 
you back your heart and soul, for I think, my friend, that 
you have need of them yourself at the moment — if indeed 
you still possess them. There sits Mrs. von Wetter, alone 
with Josephine and Ange, so let us join them, for this is a 
favorable moment to begin my mission.” 

She did not see the sad smile with which Hattenheim re- 
ceived her jesting remark, but crossed the room leaning on 
his arm, and a few moments later was received with much 
delight by Aunt Renate. 

Princess Sylvie had already done an incredible amount 
of dancing. Her face was flushed, and her blonde hair was 
half loosened about her face and neck, while from the bot- 
tom of her gown hung tatters of crape which lent her toilet 
an indescribably ragged appearance. She picked up her 
train without the slightest embarrassment, and tore the tat- 
tered flounce off with a strong hand, rolled it up, and threw 
it upon the nearest divan. But she laughed aloud when 
Lehrbach picked up one of the fragments with an impressive 
glance, and rather ostentatiously put it in his pocket. It 
is not gentlemanly to collect rags, Lehrbach,” said she, 
tapping him with her fan. “ Here ! This is a better sou- 
venir ! ” and she threw him the fan, with a glance as if the 
handsome man at her side were the only living being in the 
room. 

What a rich collection of fans, flowers, handkerchiefs, 
and gloves Gunther already possessed at home in his writing 
desk. And every single article was a souvenir ! 


The Wild Rose, 


113 


The next to the last dance before supper had just finished ; 
Sylvie stood in an ante-room and loosened the dance-card 
from her girdle, glancing casually down at it ; Lehrbach was 
at her side. 

‘ The Lancers,’ ” read the princess, with a frown and pout. 

Again this tiresome square dance I I do not understand, 
Fortunatus, why you had the horrible dance printed on the 
cards ! ” 

If I could dance all the galops with you, your High- 
ness, I would have only such upon the card,” replied the 
young officer slowly, with much emphasis, and a long, some- 
what bold look into her eyes. But I am egotistic enough 
to plan these square dances for your other partners, hoping 
at the same time that they may disgust you with the dancers 
themselves.” 

Sylvie lowered her eyelashes and glanced from under 
them at the count’s handsome face. She breathed quickly, 
then threw back her head, and with her peculiar, awkward 
gesture, she said loudly and impatiently : An infamous 

furnace here ! I am almost melted with the heat, and long 
to breathe somewhat fresher air. The Lancers will probably 
proceed without me, and if they do not they may go to 
thunder for all I care. Your arm, Lehrbach.” And with- 
out awaiting a reply she laid her hand on his arm, and 
turned toward the gallery. 

The air in the winter garden was moist and fragrant with 
hot-house flowers. Fountains plashed among the green 
plants, orange trees contributed their heavy perfume, and 
on the white sand were outlined the pointed shadows of 
palms and tropical plants of all kinds. Two bronze lions 
flanked a sofa which, half hidden by elder blossoms and 
nodding snowballs, invited one to rest upon it. Princess 
Sylvie seated herself upon this sofa, and gazed up at her 


TI4 


The Wild Rose, 


\ 


young cavalier, who, resting against one of the bronze lions, 
leaned down toward her. 

“ Have you nothing to tell me ? ” The gray eyes glanced 
almost in challenge at the handsome man. 

To tell ? ” Gunther sighed slightly, bent still lower over 
the princess’s blonde head, and gazed at her with his dark 
eyes. could say much, your Highness, but, as I dare not, 
I must confine myself to telling you a story. I know a sad 
tale which has been running through my mind all day — a 
story which is so old and yet so new that it was perhaps 
sung prophetically at my cradle-side, and perhaps a gloomy 
Norn wrote it in the book of my life just at that place which 
with other and happier mortals is crowned with myrtle.” 
And what is the story ? ” Again the lashes veiled the 
questioner’s eyes. The words sounded as if forced from 
her lips, and the lilies trembled on her bosom. 

Have you never heard of the blonde and lovely princess, 
of the poor page who loved her so dearly, and the crushed 
blue-bells under the tower window which drank up the 
boy’s life-blood ? ” whispered Gunther, with a passionate 
glance. 

Sylvie looked up — looked up into his eyes as if under a 
spell. Her full lips were parted thirstily, but the smile 
about them was treacherous. No,” said she shortly ; 

and I do not wish to hear of them. I, myself, am one of 
those blonde princesses who ” She paused abruptly. 

“ Who ? ” Lehrbach clutched one of the branches of the 
elder, and the white blossoms fell like snow over the head, 
neck, and lap of the princess, while his eyes rested in silent, 
eager interrogation upon her face. 

“ Who neither now nor ever would permit the blue-be*lls 
to be crushed under the tower window ! ” Her voice 
sounded loud and harsh, the white teeth were set in her 


The Wild Rose. 


115 


lower lip, but she laughed and glanced bewitchingly at the 
man at her side, and bent her head still nearer to his shoul- 
der. 

And whether I love thee, what carest thou ! ” recited 
Gunther, with demoniacal power in his voice. Try it — 
try to forbid a heart to break with love for you.” 

‘^For that I must first know where such a heart is to be 
found.” 

Her answer was his look. 

“ The old refrain,” continued Sylvie, dreamily. ^‘They 
both must die, for they loved each other so dearly. 
How sentimental and tiresome that golden age of fable is ! ” 
She suddenly laughed lightly, threw back her head, and 
gazed full in Lehrbach’s face with a peculiar mixture of 
mockery and passion. Therefore I praise our modern 

times. At that time the water which separated the princess 
from her love was too deep and Gvould not let them meet.’ 
But to-day, charming caprice builds a skiff, carefully sails 
around the rocks called ‘ the Lancers,’ and lands the blonde 
princess and the faithful page in a dim, magical garden, 
under whose palms one cannot, however, wander unpunished 
if one thereby forgets the supper hour. Come, Fortunatus, 
live at my side the fairy tale whose contents speak of fairer 
blossoms than crushed blue-bells.” And she hastily sprang 
up, laughingly shook the petals from her hair, and laid her 
hand in his arm. 

“ Princess, what blossom does this fairy tale of the future 
promise ?” Lehrbach stood motionless ; his voice trembled. 

Sylvie glanced over the colored splendor before her. She 
hastily broke a twig of laurel and handed it to him with 
an enigmatical glance. ‘^This,” said she, carelessly, “the 
symbol of immortality, which adorns the brow of the favor- 
ites of the gods, and which alone may rank with the golden 


ii6 


The Wild Rose, 


crown of a prince. Laurel, Count Lehrbach, is the magic 
bridge which can span the most yawning chasm. So let us 
hope for war and victory, which may bring you this crown.” 
The speaker’s face wore a sharp smile, and the words, this 
crown,” sounded almost like the exclamation of a little de- 
mon of arrogance, while the glance of the gray eyes and 
the harsh voice were like a breath of icy air to the young 
officer. 

With lips pressed together, and a slight frown, Lehrbach 
had stared at the laurel. But he quickly collected himself, 
smiled most affably, and drew the hand, together with the 
green twig, to his lips. 

‘‘Well for me, your Highness, that this hand has plucked 
the first twig for a crown which it shall be the high aim of 
my life to attain.” 

At the same moment there was a soft rustle of a silken 
train and a sound of footsteps on the sand, and Josephine 
von Wetter drew back abruptly and stared, deathly pale, at 
Count Lehrbach ’s handsome face, which was bent in a long 
kiss over the princess’s hand. 

Gunther drew himself up, glanced quickly at Josephine, 
Ange, and Hattenheim, who were together, with a smile, 
threw back his head, and with a somewhat conscious look 
passed by, the princess on his arm. 

Sylvie nodded carelessly to Countess Ange, and in passing, 
tapped Josephine on the shoulder, and said with a charming 
smile : “You have trained your good-looking friend excel- 
lently, little country miss. The few weeks in rural solitude 
have made him the most charming and unpretentious of 
men. He even kisses the hand which offers him the bitter 
laurel plant,” and with a short laugh, the princess passed by. 

Josephine stood and looked after the pair until Sylvie’s 
odd voice had hushed, and her gown disappeared from sight. 


The Wild Rose. 


117 


Then she rested her large, dull eyes upon Hattenheim, and 
asked, like one who has suddenly awakened from a dream : 
Can a princess marry a man who is not a prince ? ” 
Hattenheim gazed gloomily before him, but Countess 
Ange smiled strangely, and replied: ^^She certainly can, 
but — she does not. Strange, I always think of that tale of 
Eckhard. ^ There was a moth who flew over the mountain, 
and flew around the light, and knew that be would burn 
himself ’ ” 

Hattenheim laughed moodily. ‘‘ ‘The moth was a stupid 
devil,’ is the ending of the tale.” 

“Was a hussar officer who wished to soar,” said Ange, 
ironically, shaking her head. “ ‘ Burned his wings,’ is, I am 
afraid, the conclusion of the tale and the truth.” 

“ It is so close here, I do not care about seeing the 
roses,” said Josephine, in a trembling voice. “Let us go 
back ! ” 




X. 

The most elegant street of the capital was the Bellevue. 
It extended along the park directly to the palace, to a cer- 
tain extent a prolongation of the castle square, about which 
were grouped the ambassadors’ houses, the private dwellings 
of Prince Detleff and various foreign princes, museums, gal- 
leries, and the cathedral. Partly overlooking the square, at 
the beginning of the Bellevue, stood Villa Carolina, the 
residence of the court marshal. Count Lattdorf. 

In the little boudoir on the first floor sits a young lady — 
in spite of the twilight absorbed in a book. 

A dark, handsome gown falls in soft folds around her, 
clinging tightly to her slender, unusually graceful figure, 
and finished with gold embroidery at the throat. The last 
reflections of the sunset-glow fall on the blonde hair, arranged 
in the latest fashion with soft curls falling over the fore- 
head. 

Outside the snow falls thicker, and the shadows become 
deeper in the little room. Then the young lady lets her 
book fall, slowly passes her hand over her forehead, turns to 
the window and gazes out at the whirling snowflakes. It is 
Josephine von Wetter. Is it really she? One scarcely rec- 
ognizes her, so much has she changed. It is the same face 
which Count Lehrbach sketched amid the hay, but it is no 
longer a child’s face : a grave expression characterizes it, and 
the eyes have a cool, reserved look, though at times they 
flash passionately and with defiant pride. The art of the 
modiste has almost magically removed all similarity to the 


t 


llie Wild Rose. 


1 19 


wild rose of Gross-Stauffen. One realizes that clothes 
make the man.” As Josephine glances in a cheval glass, 
from the crown of her curly head to the tip of her dainty, 
high -heeled slipper, and thinks of the stiff cotton gown and 
hob-nailed shoes, she involuntarily presses her little hands 
to her throbbing temples — it seems like a dream. 

She leans back in her arm-chair and stares thoughtfully 
out at the falling snowflakes. They had fallen like this on 
that night which had been destined to be a turning point in 
her life. 

The recollection of the first ball is blinded by tears ; 
Josephine scarcely knows how it has come that she has 
found a second home in Villa Carolina. She remembers 
that on the morning after the ball she had begun to pack 
her things, when a lackey had arrived with a note from 
court requesting the Baroness von Wetter to come to an 
audience with the dowager duchess. And Aunt Renate 
had donned her violet velvet bonnet with much satisfaction 
and departed with a resolute face. She was gone for a long 
time, and returned with bonnet awry and flushed cheeks. 
Her eyes shone, and from her energetic step and movements 
one saw that she was highly satisfied. 

Uncle Bernd was feverish with curiosity, but his laconic 
spouse merely said : So ! now I have spoken my mind for 

once, and enlightened the duchess as to the doings of her 
charming subjects here in the capital. But she was very 
pleasant, and regretted deeply that Phine had not enjoyed 
herself last night, because she was a stranger ; it would be 
very different in time.” And laying both hands on Joseph- 
ine’s shoulders, she asked, shortly and harshly : ‘‘Tell me, 
Phine, should you like to stay here ? ” 

Then the latter raised her face, and for the first time the 
characteristic obstinate expression of the Wetters displayed 


120 ^ 


The Wild Rose. 


itself. Yes, aunt, very much indeed — I dread tlie solitude 
of Stauffen,” said she firmly. 

The old lady’s eyes looked at her searchingly. Alone ? 
without uncle and me, as a guest of Ange Lattdorf ? ” she 
continued with a somewhat trembling voice. “Nothing 
would induce me to go to a court ball again.” 

If the Freifrau had expected great resistance to this 
separation, she was mistaken. Josephine looked at her 
calmly, without moving an eyelash, and replied : “ Even 
alone, dear aunt, if it cannot be otherwise. I should rather 
stay with the Lattdorfs than anywhere else, for I like Ange 
sincerely.” 

At first Aunt Renate seemed almost offended by this 
quick decision ; but then she thought differently, nodded 
with satisfaction, and stroked her niece’s blonde head. 
“That is right, child; you must begin to be independent, 
and find your way alone. We shall be very lonely without 
you, but you will come home in the spring ; and it is better 
for you and for us that things should be superintended 
there. I was anxious enough as to how they would get on 
without us at Gross-Stauffen.” 

So that afternoon they had driven to Villa Carolina. 
Josephine was received into their family circle with great 
cordiality and affection, and did not feel for a moment a 
stranger with these people. 

Aunt Renate had a long conversation over her tea with 
the countess in an adjoining room. 

“I know, my dear countess, that my niece must have an 
entirely new wardrobe,” said she, going straight to the root 
of the matter. “ The old-fashioned things are no longer 
suitable here in this elegant society. I saw that yesterday. 
You must not reproach me for not having looked about 
sooner, but almost twenty years of country life makes one 


The Wild Rose. 


I2I 


more than rusty. Josephine must and shall want for noth- 
ing. She has our name to represent. If you would have 
the kindness, my dear madame, to make out a list for me 
of the necessary toilets, cloaks, hats, etc., I should be un- 
speakably obliged.” 

Both ladies discussed the different details of the matter, 
and then Mr. and Mrs. von Wetter returned to their hotel 
after many expressions of thanks, and Josephine remained 
in the pretty room which had been prepared for her. 

Then came the leave-taking. The Lattdorfs and Hatten- 
heim accompanied them to the railway station. Josephine 
had shed no tears, until at dusk, when alone in her room, 
she buried her head in the sofa pillows and sobbed bitterly. 

Countess Ange followed her there, and put her arms 
tenderly around the lonely, unhappy child. Thus the first 
bonds of their friendship had been knitted. The next days 
were full of bustle and excitement. Every morning Count- 
ess Lattdorf drove with Josephine from shop to shop, and 
purchased for her all the thousand little elegancies which a 
lady of rank requires to appear in society. 

The maid arranged her hair in the same style as Ange’s, 
and the countess exclaimed with satisfaction, turned the 
‘‘little country miss ” from side to side, and could not gaze 
enough at the charming change. 

About a week after, the first completed gowns were sent 
home — two dark house dresses and a light silk evening one. 
Josephine felt very strangely in the new costumes, which 
fitted so differently from the Stauffen blouses and jackets 
which Aunt Renate had made herself with the assistance of 
a seamstress from the nearest market town, but the maid, 
who was assisting her to try them on, cried out again and 
again enthusiastically : “ Oh, mademoiselle, they all fit so 
beautifully ! O mon Dieu ! how that changes your figure.” 


122 


The Wild Rose. 


And Ange and the countess nodded with satisfaction, 
but Josephine went to the mirror and gazed in amazement 
at the slender, elegant creature which it reflected. Was that 
she ? No, that was a gay butterfly which had suddenly 
escaped from its gray chrysalis. She did not understand 
how she could have ever worn such tasteless garments, 'and 
when she thought of her ball dress the blood rushed to 
her cheeks. It was remarkable how similar her figure was 
to Ange’s, only the latter moved so gracefully and had such 
easy, self-possessed manners, that Josephine begged her to 
accept her as a pupil and eagerly made her her model. 

Hattenheim often came to the house. With the privilege 
of a relative he frequently dropped in unasked to tea, some- 
times with a friend. When he saw Miss von Wetter for the 
first time after the change,” he gazed at her in amazement. 
He was struck with her beauty and charm, which had before 
been so hidden. She gave him her hand, with her gay 
smile, and asked him how he liked Gooseherd Liesel in her 
city guise, and whether he also found her so greatly changed. 

Then the blood rushed to his cheeks, and he murm.ured 
a few awkward words. When he bade the countess good 
evening, he clasped her hand almost painfully, and said : 
Aunt, you have managed splendidly, and I thank you. 
She will look very differently in the ball-room now.” But 
his eyes had a sad expression, and at heart he thought : 
How dear she was to me in her ugly frock, and with her 
childish curls. That is over forever ! She will never laugh 
as she used to do. There has been a storm, which has left 
little folds on her brow and about her lips, and' Gunther 
has that on his conscience.” And as he thought of Gunther 
his eyes shone, and he glanced again at Josephine’s charming 
figure, and a feeling of proud satisfaction filled his breast. 
As yet Miss von Wetter had been to no large entertain- 


The Wild Rose. 


123 


ments since that first court ball. She wished to wait until 
New Year, and then begin the season with Ange. Almost a 
month had passed, and Christmas was at hand. 

She had seen Count Lehrbach once, as she walked through 
the park to meet Ange, who was paying a call. Three peo- 
ple, chatting together very loudly, had come toward her — 
Princess Sylvie, in a short jacket, her hands in her pockets, 
with a whip under her arm ; Miss von Dienheim, leading a 
dog ; and at her side. Count Lehrbach. All three had 
suddenly ceased their conversation, and had stared at her, 
Sylvie even using her lorgnon openly. Josephine had 
bowed, devoting all her attention to the princess and avoid- 
ing Gunther’s look. But she noticed that he hastily turned 
and looked after her, and heard Sylvie’s voice say : 
Heavens ! That was certainly your rustic beauty, Fortu- 
natus ! ” 

That walk through the park had still another event. As 
Josephine came opposite the pavilion, she stopped for a 
moment to enjoy the charming sight which the little castle 
presented. The sun lit up the white pillars, and awoke 
sparks of light from the cupolas and minarets, which stood 
out like the work of fairy hands against the deep blue 
winter sky. The snow lay on the green firs and cedars, a 
glittering veil, and up over the balcony ivy hung in a gar- 
land, while the gilded railing shone through like stars. 

As Josephine was about to turn, she involuntarily drew 
back, and stood behind the bushes, gazing up at an open 
window on the first floor, at which stood the duchess Marie 
Christiane. A dark fur cloak lay over her shoulders, and 
the black lace scarf wrapped around her head made her 
pale face look even more transparent and small. With her 
white hands she was strewing bread crumbs upon the lawn 
beneath to a whole flock of little birds. 


124 


The Wild Rose. 


Scarcely had Josephine taken in the whole charming pict- 
ure, when she started and, with a cry of alarm, rushed 
among Marie Christiane’s feathered guests. Her cry found 
an echo from the window. Prince Alexander’s young span- 
iel had sprung down the steps quicker than thought, and 
had seized one of the birds and engaged it in a struggle for 
life or death. With cries of terror the birds scattered, but 
at that moment a large snow-ball flew from Josephine’s 
hands, hitting the dog, who sprang awkwardly aside, and 
for the moment released his prey. 

Miss von Wetter sprang forward and seized the bird, 
which beat its wings, peeping piteously. 

“ A thousand thanks, my dear young lady,” cried Marie 
Christiane, with a voice which still trembled slightly. That 
is what I call a rescuer in time of need. Pray bring the 
poor little patient up-stairs to me, and we will see whether 
it is badly hurt.” 

Very much embarrassed, and now for the first time real- 
izing her position, Josephine bowed respectfully. The 
duchess nodded and beckoned again, then she stepped 
back from the window, and Josephine heard a bell ring. 

Without delay she hurried up the steps, carrying the bird 
carefully in her hand. 

The face of the porter appeared behind the glass door. 
He glanced curiously at the stranger, and then opened with 
a silent bow. 

“The duchess?” asked Josephine, looking somewhat 
irresolutely around the large vestibule. 

At this moment a lackey rushed breathlessly down the 
stairs, bowed deeply to Josephine, and with an inviting gest- 
ure said : “Her Highness awaits the young lady.” 

Josephine followed through long corridors, hung with 
paintings, and was ushered into a moderately large room. 


The Wild Rose. 


125 


more comfortably than elegantly furnished. The duchess 
entered through a side door, went quickly up to Josephine, 
and gave her her hand cordially. She had laid aside the 
cloak, but the lace scarf was still wrapped about her head. 

No, no, my dear child,” said she in a very sweet voice, 
as Josephine bent to kiss her hand. ‘‘You come as the 
bearer of an invalid, not as a ceremonial visitor. How kind 
of you to break off the naughty Dion’s cruel game ! Poor 
little thing ! he would never have let you go. ” The soft 
South German dialect was plainly perceptible in the tender 
words with which she took the bird from Josephine’s hand. 

“ The dog has broken its leg, your Highness,” said Joseph- 
ine, kneeling down beside the duchess without the slightest 
shyness. “ And here on its breast and neck the feathers are 
torn. It is bleeding in two places.” 

“Quite right,” nodded the duchess. “Oh, its little bone 
is through here ! The poor little thing ! — it will suffer a great 
deal, even if it does not die. Will you add to your kind- 
ness, Miss von Wetter, by removing this scarf from my 
head ? It annoys me, and I cannot put the bird down or 
it will hop away.” 

Josephine removed the scarf with as little embarrassment 
as if she had for years been a guest in the pavilion, and as 
the duchess wished to apply a bandage with her own hands 
to the broken limb, Josephine fetched the various articles at 
her direction, and frankly expressed her surprise that her 
Highness was as handy as a physician. 

The latter smiled, and told her that this was acquired in 
hospitals and from caring for the sick, all that was needed 
being a willing heart and patience. 

When the little creature had been placed in a box behind 
the ivy, the duchess insisted that Josephine should drink a 
cup of bouillon. It was luncheon time in Villa Carolina, 


126 


The Wild Rose. 


which she had missed through her kind assistance. A lackey 
presented it in a painted cup, together with a silver plate full 
of sandwiches, and Josephine obediently partook of them. 
It was strange, but she did not feel as if she were at court, 
but rather in the home of a dear friend, the duchess was so 
pleasant and informal, and dismissed her with the kindest 
words. 

As a faithful nurse, you must come to see your patient 
from time to time,” said she jestingly. ‘‘You will always 
be a welcome guest. You shall tell me how you amuse 
yourself, and bring the echo of your gay life into my lone- 
liness. Good-by, Miss Josephine, and greet the countess 
and Ange from me.” 

Still it snowed out-doors, and still Josephine sat motionless 
in her arm-chair and gave herself up to her thoughts. Over 
there, behind the cathedral, lay Stauffen — quiet, lonely, and 
peaceful. Ah, that she were there ! An intense feeling of 
homesickness crept over her, but she murmured with a 
groan : “Not there, not there where I was so happy ! I 
could not bear the change. Everything would remind me 
of him.” And she stretched out her arms longingly, and 
sobbed : “ Aunt Renate ! ” And then she ceased, and folded 
her trembling hands. Why did she remain ? Again the 
Wetter look of defiance came to her face, and she murmured 
defiantly : “ I will not go away as if I were fleeing from 
him — as if his falseness had wounded me to the heart. 
Gooseherd Liesel shall yet show him that all hearts are not 
his playthings. I shall stay ! ” 

Light steps sounded in the corridor ; the portieres were 
parted and Countess Ange entered. 

“Of course, all in darkness. Where are you, little owl?” 
And the young lady groped her way to the window from 


The Wild Rose. 


127 


which Josephine had answered her. She drew the blonde 
head toward her. Do you suspect nothing ? Does not 
your beating heart tell you what news I bring you ?” 

Josephine started up. ^‘News ?” asked she hastily. 

Who is down-stairs with mamma ? Guess.” 
Hattenheim.” 

O prophetic angel ! Quite right. Hattenheim and Baron 
d’Ouchy — and what news do they bring 1 ” 

Oh, tell me quickly,” said Josephine, almost anxiously. 

“ Nothing less than information that day after to-morrow 
the much-discussed sleighing party is to take place. That 
Reimar will be your cavalier is self-understood, and Baron 
d’Ouchy has asked me.” 

As Josephine was silent, Ange continued gayly : 
four are to go together in one sleigh. Have you ever been 
on such a large sleighing party ? ” 

Josephine answered No. ‘AVhom will Count Lehrbach 
take ? ” she asked suddenly. 

Ange laughed slightly. “'One sees what a stranger you 
still are here, little goosie. Do you suppose that Count 
Lehrbach, the spoiled child of the court, and the one who 
planned the whole affair, will ride in the last sleigh ? Either 
in defiance of all etiquette, Princess Sylvie will again honor 
him by choosing him as her cavalier, or else he will con- 
sole himself with Use von Dienheim, as he did last year, 
and drive behind the princess’s sleigh. But come, my heart. 
I will look out some music, and then we will go down-stairs. 
D’Ouchy plays the violin very well, and seems anxious to 
see you again. So hurry ! ” 

“Who is Baron d’Ouchy? — his name sounds so foreign,” 
said Josephine thoughtfully. 

Ange looked up from the music rack. “He is a French 
emigrant of excellent family, but very poor. He interests 


128 


The Wild Rose. 


me, although I think there is nothing attractive about him 
except his violin-playing. His eyes show that he is as vari- 
able as an April day — one moment snow, the next fire.” 

“ He seemed to me as calm and cool as a marble statue,” 
said Josephine. 

The countess’s lips wore a strange expression. “ Quite 
right. His is a calculating nature, cool even to his heart. 
Passion only flames in his eyes, without kindling the heart. 
He will not easily love ; but if he does, it will not be the 
usual love and admiration, but raging madness, a tornado 
which tears down everything that resists it. I should be 
afraid of such a lover.” 

Josephine gazed at her friend in astonishment. Are 
you afraid that I will fall in love with him ? she asked with 
a short laugh. 

Ange slowly shook her head. ‘‘ No,” said she, throwing 
her arm round the young girl’s waist, and together they 
went down-stairs. 

The red light fell full upon D’Ouchy’s pale face, which 
was facing the door, as he turned over the leaves of a book. 
He stared at Josephine in surprise as she entered ; then he 
smiled, showing his white teeth. “ Char7na7it ! ” he mur- 
mured under his breath. 

They had a very pleasant evening. Josephine seated her- 
self near Hattenheim, and discussed the coming sleigh- 
ride, while Ange and Baron d’Ouchy argued about Italian 
music. 

Then at his request Ange seated herself at the piano, and 
played the Parsifal overture which he had violently attacked. 
He leaned against the instrument, apparently listening atten- 
tively, but as often as Josephine looked up she met his 
eyes. Finally he grew absent-minded ; then he seized his 
violin and played Hungarian melodies. It was not easy to 


The Wild Rose. 


129 


accompany him, for he did not pay the slightest regard to 
time, but still he played in a masterly manner. Often 
Ange’s hands seemed to pause as she listened, then they 
rushed on in wild melody, as if carried away by his fire, and 
they always kept together — one’s playing completed the 
other’s. 

D’Ouchy’s glowing features lit up as he played, his tall 
form seemed to grow even taller, a deep flush rose to his 
forehead, and his white teeth gave his face an almost 
diabolical expression. 

Wild, unbridled, ever-changing was his playing, a min- 
gling of laughter and sobs ; a harsh cry, and then a soft 
whispering as of the wind through the trees. 

When he laid down the violin, he was again the cool, 
polite, modest man of before. 

The Countess Lattdorf was charmed, and expressed her 
thanks in a thousand sincere words of acknowledgment, 
but he ascribed all merit to the incomparable accompani- 
ment of the Countess Ange. Then he turned to Josephine, 
who gazed up at him with wide eyes ; she had never before 
in her life heard such playing. She also wished to say 
something to him, but could find no words, so she gave him 
her hand in charming simplicity, and said : I should like 

to listen to you for a long, long time.” 

Baron d’Ouchy’s eyes met hers ; he silently stooped and 
kissed her hand. How hot his lips were ! Josephine was 
startled. 

At tea, she sat between Hattenheim and the court mar- 
shal, whom she always liked to talk with. She scarcely 
spoke to D’Ouchy ; only once she involuntarily compared 
him to Reimar. The whole manner of the young diplomat 
seemed strange to her and embarrassed her, but she felt 
safe and protected beside the grave, blue-eyed man. 

9 



XL 

How the sleighs fly over the shining snow, with the ao 
companiment of the bells ! The sun shines brightly with- 
out warming the air, and long icicles hang from the roofs. 

Josephine feels so sheltered in the sleigh, her whole face 
is wreathed in smiles, and she talks more than she has done 
in a week before. She looks charming, with a white gauze 
veil over her flushed cheeks, in her dark green velvet jacket 
and silvery gray fur cap in striking contrast to Countess 
Ange, who sits at her side all in black, even to her furs. 
Hattenheim also is gayer than usual. 

As they neared the place of 7'endezvous^ his eyes sought 
Lehrbach. He had not long to wait, for the count rushed 
past in the court sleigh with the four horses beside Princess 
Sylvie. He glanced over at their sleigh with a bow and an 
extra nod for Hattenheim ; then his eyes rested upon 
Josephine, who was talking more gayly than before with 
Baron d’Ouchy. 

Reimar watched him with strangely sparkling eyes, as he 
involuntarily compared the princess with Gooseherd Liesel. 
Her Highness did not appear well — the cold had made her 
cheeks almost blue, the long feathers of her hat floated un- 
gracefully around her head, and her pouting lips wore a 
decidedly unpleasant expression. 

It seemed as if Lehrbach had divined his friend’s thought, 
for he glanced again at Josephine. Then he turned his 


The Wild Rose. 


T31 


head hastily and bowed to Prince Detleff, who accompanied 
the party on horseback. Just then the prince perceived 
the Lattdorf sleigh. Bless me, Gooseherd Liesel ! ” he 
murmured, and bowed with ostentatious gallantry. I said 
she had magnificent eyes,” he continued, staring after her ; 
“ it was only the fearful gown she wore. I must have one 
good look at her, but I think I can risk a dance with her 
this evening.” 

The signal was given, and away dashed the sleighs 
through the city, out into the country, past the two nearest 
villages, returned in a wide curve through the opposite gate 
of the capital, and wound up at the Officers’ Club where a 
dance was to be held. 

“B-r-r! I am fearfully cold,” said Princess Sylvie, with a 
shiver, standing in the midst of the dancing-room. She 
turned away from the tea which a lackey presented, and 
seized the flask of cognac. 

‘‘ Have you a glass ? ” she asked shortly. 

‘‘ Here is one, your Highness,” said Count Gunther, 
quickly fetching one. Without the slightest prudishness, 
Sylvie filled it almost to the brim, and turning to the offi- 
cers around her, who had hastened to follow her example, 
she cried : Now then, see who will empty a glass soonest ! 

Vive Vainour^ gentlemen ! ” 

Vive Va7nour cried all voices, and the glasses were 
drained to the dregs. 

‘‘ And now, for heaven’s sake, go on with your tea-drink- 
ing ! ” continued Sylvie, coughing slightly. I am begin- 
ning to be comfortable.” 

The dancing had already begun when Prince Detleff 
entered the room. He let C^ountess Aosta become quiver- 
ing with impatience, while he surveyed Miss von Wetter 
through his eye-glass, and saw the court lady angrily throw 


132 


The Wild Rose, 


her faded flowers down on the divan beside her — then he 
laughed and asked her to dance. Josephine stood beside 
Ange. She had danced with Hattenheim and D’Oiichy. 
Reimar did not leave her side ; he danced with no other 
lady ; his eyes followed Gunther. The latter first fulfilled 
his duties to the princess, then her ladies. 

Prince Detleff crossed the room and went directly up to 
Ange, apparently without taking the slightest notice of her 
companion. 

Well ! cold beauty,” said he to the countess. It is 
well that the flowers are embroidered on your gown, or else 
they would freeze upon your heart.” 

‘‘Better that than scorch, your Highness.” Ange drew 
herself up and glanced gravely and coolly at him. 

“That is a question of taste,” laughed Detleff, twirling his 
mustache. “ I should like to see you a trifle on fire — it 
would be very becoming. I appeal to your vanity. See, 
your unapproachable glance fairly frightens me — sauve qui 
pent!'' and turning on his heel, he bowed to Josephine. 
“ May I have this galop. Miss von Wetter? 

For a moment Gooseherd Diesel’s blue eyes gazed at him 
almost in alarm ; then her cheeks flushed and her fresh lips 
smiled. She danced with him, and all eyes followed them ; 
there was a sudden raising of lorgnons and a nodding and 
shrugging of shoulders. 

But Hattenheim threw back his head with an expression 
of triumph. He had seen how Count Gunther stared, 
as if in the pair of dancers he perceived the eighth wonder 
of the world. “That is superb,” Reimar whispered to his 
cousin. “ His Highness has given the signal ; now we will 
see how soon the tide will turn.” 

Detleff chatted for a moment with Josephine after they 
had ceased dancing — told her that she must never again 


The Wild Rose. 


133 


wear a wreath of camellias, and that she should go to the 
theatre oftener ; he had not seen her there once. 

I daily see so much comedy,” she replied laughingly. 
“ But I will follow your good advice, your Highness, so as 
to learn to distinguish truth from poetry.” 

You seem inclined to sarcasm.” The prince looked at 
her in amusement. 

“ Not inclination, but cause, your Highness. At Gross- 
Stauffen I accepted everything that I heard as reality, but 
here I learned for the first time to hear much and believe 
nothing.” Involuntarily she glanced at Gunther’s hand- 
some face. 

Detleff laughed merrily. I call that pessimism in- 
deed,” cried he, more excitedly than usual. ‘^You seem 
to have a bad opinion of the world ; and perhaps it is not 
unjustifiable. The world is often blind, and has a weakness 
for echoing an opinion which the lion of the day expresses. 
Voyo7is done., it shall be my pleasant care to improve your 
opinion of truth and poetry to the best of my ability.” 

He escorted Josephine back to Ange and Hattenheim, 
bowed, and then crossed the room with a strikingly gay ex- 
pression to Princess Sylvie, who was coquetting with Count 
Lehrbach under one of the chandeliers. 

‘‘ Listen, count ! ” he cried to Gunther, tapping him fa- 
miliarly on the shoulder. “Your little Gooseherd Liesel is 
very piquant. Thanks for the acquisition. She will be the 
ornament of our drawing-rooms, and the dread of the 
ladies — ha, ha, ha ! Do you not think so, Sylvie ? ” 

“You mean the little Wetter ? ” asked his sister, with a 
pout and a hasty side-glance at Gunther’s laughing face. 
“ It is strange how modern garments improve her. She is 
like an illustration of the story of the ugly duckling who 
turned out a swan.” 


134 


The Wild Rose, 


Does not the change please you, Lehrbach ? ” continued 
Detleff, slightly ironically. 

Certainly, your Highness ; especially since it is so com- 
plete and charming ! ” The young officer said it almost 
mechanically, and his eyes followed Josephine’s slender 
figure, as she passed on the arm of her partner to take her 
place in a quadrille. 

I wish to dance with your English friend,” said Sylvie 
shortly to her brother. “ Send him here.” 

All right,” nodded Detleff, and the princess turned ab- 
ruptly away, and wuthout another word for Gunther hurried 
over to a divan where Use von Dienheim was sitting. She 
threw herself down beside her, and whispered to her behind 
her large feather fan. 

But Lehrbach went up to Josephine. 

Good evening, Miss von Wetter.” 

She turned her head and bowed silently. Her face wore 
a calm expression, and her eyes glanced coolly at him. 

I was sorry not to find you in when I called upon you 
recently.” 

am sorry that you had your trouble for nothing.” 

A short pause. He drew nearer. 

“ Do you still know how to dance the quadrille ? ” 

I hope so.” She drew her glove up over her white arm. 
Her gold bangles rattled softly. 

“ And do you remember the time when you learned this 
dance ?” His dark eyes gazed at her in the old way. 

She laughed softly. Naturally ! One does not forget 
anything as absurd as that so easily.” 

For a moment he looked at her in surprise. He did not 
know whether this was said in jest or bitterness, but her 
face did not look angry, merely charmingly indifferent. 
‘‘You are often with Hattenheim,” he continued. 


The Wild Rose. 


135 


' Her eyes lit up. Not as often as I could wish. One 
always misses friends.” 

Her voice had the old, warm tone. 

Gunther bit his lips. I am glad that you judge and 
appreciate him properly now,” said he with a clouded brow. 

“ I hope it is not yet too late.” She was very gay, and 
nodded pleasantly to Reimar, who just then came up with a 
lady to make the fourth couple in the set. 

The music began. 

^'‘Au revoir f murmured Lehrbach. 

She nodded hastily and silently, but Lehrbach made his 
way through the dancers to the wall, from which he surveyed 
the quadrille. 

Hattenheim had watched the conversation, and smiled to 
himself. A waltz followed the quadrille. Reimar saw the 
count’s eyes wander over the crowd, and when he perceived 
Josephine, saw him make his way directly to her. He was 
only a few steps away, when Hattenheim calmly bowed to 
her and danced away with her. 

Gunther glanced at him almost angrily, crossed his amis, 
and waited. But they paused at the opposite end of the 
room. How gayly they chatted, and seemed to have eyes 
for no one else. 

Lehrbach danced vs^ith the Countess Aosta, and then tried 
his fortune a second time with Gooseherd Liesel. 

But — diantre ! a second time Hattenheim took her away 
from under his very nose, and this time stopped beside 
Princess Sylvie. Her Highness had a fancy to speak to the 
young girl. The conversation turned upon horses, and 
Miss von Wetter suddenly became very animated ; she spoke 
of the Stauffen stables, and mentioned the pedigrees of the 
best horses, impressing even Princess Sylvie. 

“Do you ride? — yes. I must see you. You may choose 


The Wild Rose, 



one of my horses, and ride him in the riding ring. It 
would be fine if we could arrange a costume quadrille for 
eight couples.” 

Josephine’s eyes shone. I prefer to ride in the open 
air, your Highness,” she said laughingly. I need room 
for my passion.” 

If you think I am afraid of a steeplechase, on the ice 
even, you are mistaken,” said the princess roughly. Use 
and I are to ride on one of our little ^ pathfinders ’ very 
soon — will you join us ? ” 

‘‘Willingly,” cried Goosehead Liesel, joyously. 

“ Well — but you must be prepared for anything and 
everything.” Sylvie rested her hand heavily on the young 
girl’s shoulder. “ If you stand the test, I will exhibit you 
to the officers and sportsmen as a wonder, for as yet I have 
found no one except Use who can keep step with a Princess 
Sylvie.” 

The speaker’s flushed face wore an indescribably mocking 
expression ; she gazed at Josephine with a peculiar look, 
then nodded carelessly to her. Prince Detleff stood near 
them, and a second time desired a dance of Miss von 
Wetter. 

Gunther stood beside Sylvie. He was out of temper and 
could with difficulty control himself. 

“ Where are your snowballs, your Highness ? ” said he, 
glancing at the stems from which the white blossoms had 
long since fallen. 

“ Melted on my hot heart,” replied she crossly, and added 
ironically : “ It is well that it is not your fault.” 

As he was silent, she told him that her cousin, the crown 

prince Theodore von X was expected to arrive on a visit 

in a few days. His eyes sparkled, but he merely murmured 
a few words of pleasure, with a smiling face. 


The Wild Rose, 


137 


Have you danced with your beautiful friend yet ? ” she 
asked suddenly. 

“ No.” 

And why not ? ” 

He smiled strangely, and a peculiar expression came to 
his face. In order to still have this pleasure before me, 
your Highness,” said he calmly. 

But he did not dance with her. He merely told Josephine 
that it was highly unfortunate that his friend Hattenheim, 
strangely enough, had always been before him this evening. 
With the best intentions, he had not been able to secure a 
dance — she was too greatly in demand. 

And what had she answered ? A few polite words, as 
happily as if she did not feel the slightest regret. Lehr- 
bach seized Hattenheim’s arm as he passed him. ^‘You 
are an unwearied dancer, Fatty,” said he almost bitterly. 

Reimar’s blue eyes gazed at him in innocent pleasure. 

How could I weary with such an enviable partner ? 
You do not know, Gunther, to what a charming rose the 
little, undeveloped bud has unfolded — such sweet freshness 
and 7iaivetey together with a newly acquired charm. Ah, 
Gunther, you have no idea how one’s heart beats when 
her lovely eyes look at him so frankly, so honestly, so ” 

“ So lovingly, why don’t you say it ? ” Gunther said this 
between his teeth ; then he laughed, and clapped his friend 
on the shoulder. “I congratulate you, old boy ! You are 
a lucky fellow, upon my word, and I do not grudge you your 
happiness ! ” 

With that he hurried away, directly to the champagne 
buffet. 

At the close of the entertainment, a flower waltz was to 
be danced. Josephine stood alone for a moment ; the 
flowers seemed forgotten ; only a few couples were danc- 


138 


The Wild Rose. 


ing. Baron d’Ouchy approached her ; he held in his hand 
an Italian camellia, which he handed to her. 

“ Ah, a yellow marguerite ! ” 

‘‘You give the flower the correct name, mademoiselle; 
now give it also the significance of a Marguerite.” By a 
gesture, he invited the young girl to be seated, and took the 
place at her side. 

The blue eyes stared at him in wide-open curiosity. 

“ Have you never read ‘ Faust ’ ? ” he asked softly. 

Josephine shook her head. “ Is it about these flowers 1 
Pray tell me.” 

“The heroine of ‘ Faust ’ is named Marguerite, and the 
flower owes its poetic name to her. Marguerite loves Faust, 
and strolls with him through the garden, alone in the silver 
moonlight, among the flowers. She stoops and plucks a 
large white daisy, turns half away from her lover, and begins 
to pull off the petals, according to the charming old super- 
stition.” 

“ Pull off the petals ? According to the superstition ? 
What does that mean ? ” She looks at him attentively with 
a smile. 

His dark eyes glow feverishly. 

“ The flowers possess the power of betraying to the girl 
whether she is loved,” he whispers. “Will you consult the 
charming oracle, and meanwhile think of the man whom 
you love ? I will tell you the words.” 

A deep blush covers her cheeks, and even her white neck, 
she nods eagerly. “ Oh certainly, that is a fine jest ! ” and 
she takes the flower, and begins to pull off the petals with 
hesitating fingers ; while her strange teacher softly says the 
words : “He loves me, he loves me not — he loves me — 
loves me not,” — then she plucks off the last petal — “ He 
loves me ! ” It comes like a cry of delight from her lips, 


The Wild Rose, 


139 


her blushing face is turned towards him, and the dark eyes 
gaze at him brilliantly. 

“ Yes, he loves you.” His gaze seems to burn her face, 
then he springs up. 

“ Let us dance, quick ! ” says he. And they fly away as 
if in a dream, and she forgets that the hand which clasps 
hers is merely that of her handsome friend, for He loves 
me,” the yellow flower had said. 

As they are all about to leave. Count Lehrbach once more 
appears. He bows to Ange and her mother, then he sees 
Josephine and goes quickly up to her. 

“ May I take you to the carriage. Miss Josephine t ” 

Mechanically she lays her hand on his arm. ^‘He loves 
me,” rings in her heart like an echo, and for a moment is 
betrayed in her shining eyes. 

Gunther has caught the glance, he bends down closely to 
her ear. Will you keep a dance for me, next time ? ” 

Then her heart is filled with a sad, painful and yet wild 
and defiant feeling ; she forces herself to speak indiffer- 
ently, somewhat ironically. Perhaps the polka before the 
cotillon ? ” 

He bites his lips, and the gas flames flicker in the draught, 
which may be the reason he looks so pale. 

Are you angry with me ? ” he asks shortly and 
roughly. 

Oh no ! Why should I be ? Because you drew me as 
Gooseherd Liesel, and gave me this original nickname } ” 
She laughs lightly, but to his ears the laugh sounds as if she 
added : Cela ne vaut pas la chandelle ! ” 

He would like to stamp his foot and set his teeth, but he 
controls himself. “ They have slandered me to you — given 
a harmless jest a malicious signification.” 

‘‘You are mistaken, Count Lehrbach. If I were insulted 


140 


The Wild Rose, 


or angry, I should not be walking at your side.” She is 
unconsciously refinedly coquettish. 

Miss Josephine,” he murmurs hastily. ‘‘ You will per- 
mit me to return to this subject upon some future occasion. 
I will confess, and you will forgive me. Yes, you shall,” 
he persists almost angrily, as she glances at him coldly and 
in astonishment. ‘^For the sake of the delightful, un- 
clouded hours of last summer, and as little as I can bear a 
consciousness in my heart of having offended you, just as 
little will you in future take this cold, strange tone to me. 
Good-night ! ” 




XII. 

With the new year’s ball the season fairly opened. Jose- 
phine lived in a dream. Night after night, like Cinderella, 
she donned a beautiful gown and was whirled away to some 
brilliant entertainment. She accustomed herself with aston- 
ishing ease to this life, and could scarcely realize that for so 
many years she had led such a different one. 

The great kindness which the dowager duchess showed 
the young lady, the open attentions which Prince Detleff 
paid her, had not failed to make an impression upon the 
court society. It swam with the stream, and hastened to 
take the path which was so openly designated. Far from 
ascribing an ironic signification to the words : “ Gooseherd 
Liesel,” one found it, on the contrary, a charming nick- 
name which proved the conquest that the young lady’s 
beauty had made of Count Lehrbach. He had drawn that 
sketch to perpetuate a charming face. 

People bowed and smiled to Miss von Wetter wherever 
they saw her, and received a polite bow in return, but they 
could not become intimate with her. She was not here for 
the sake of friends, but for her own pride. She saw herself 
admired and distinguished, knew that she was called beauti- 
ful, and tried to please ; and the mixture of naivete\ fresh 
humor, and her natural gift for repartee, made this an easy 
task. 

But more than others Count Lehrbach felt the charm of 


142 


The Wild Rose. 


her original manner. She tried to punish his faithlessness 
by treating him as indifferently as possible, but in spite of 
this, her passionate heart occasionally betrayed itself in her 
eyes. This varying between cool indifference and glowing 
glances, this conflict between hatred and love, unconsciously 
developed into the most refined coquetry which had all the 
charm of naturalness. What Count Gunther had volun- 
tarily cast aside he now feverishly longed for. He was 
accustomed to be everywhere courted, and now for the first 
time in his life, he met with opposition. 

' A perfectly unjustifiable anger towards Hattenheim took 
possession of him. Hattenheim loved Josephine, that he 
had long ago remarked and had not objected. But now 
he also had taken a fancy to the blue eyes and blonde curls, 
and looked upon it as wholly natural that Reimar should 
modestly retire and leave the field to his friend, but on the 
contrary, he did not yield an inch ; wherever Josephine went, 
he was at her side, and it was no wonder that everyone 
expected to hear of their engagement. 

Why did Josephine tolerate this ? Oh, because she loves 
him ! ” said he to himself, with an angry laugh. ‘‘ Because I 
fairly drove her into his arms the evening of that ball. But 
she did love me, or I do not understand women, and is 
Hattenheim the man to make me forgotten ? No, she must 
love me ; all her coldness is feigned, she is repaying me ; 
but it will not last, she will yield to the old charm, and 
then ” 

Count Gunther thought no more of the then.’' He 
was onl)^ interested in the “ now,” and wished to vex 
Princess Sylvie a trifle. Her Highness’s manner irritated 
him ; for some time she had been coquettish and arrogant. 
Did he love her ? Oh, no ! He found nothing to admire 
in her but her crown and the nimbus which surrounded her. 


The Wild Rose. 


M3 


The hand of a princess was the highest tribute which life 
could yield him, and for that he strove. He watched 
Sylvie’s face when he paid attentions to Josephine, but 
gradually he watched it less and less, and the arrival of her 
princely suitor became wholly indifferent to him. Only one 
thing vexed him unspeakably, that Sylvie laughed at Miss 
von Wetter’s coolness, and his vain attempts to rival Hat- 
tenheim. This must and should not be ! 

Immediately after her conversation with Princess Sylvie, 
Josephine had ordered a riding habit, which had now been 
sent home. A few days after, a lackey brought a little note 
from Miss von Dienheim, saying that her Highness wished 
Miss von Wetter to accompany her for a ride the next morn- 
ing at eleven. d’he brown thoroughbred ^^Sorma,” the 
princess’s favorite saddle-horse, was at her disposal. But 
bring glue, so you may stick in the saddle,” was added as 
postscript. 

It was a very mild winter day. The sun had completely 
melted the snow from the streets when the little cavalcade 
trotted through the castle park. 

Her Highness glanced sharply at Gooseherd Liesel in the 
saddle. She smiled half mockingly, half maliciously, at the 
manner in which the young girl held the reins. But then, 
as with the words : The mare still bears traces of the 

Lauchheimer thicket there ! ” she gave Sorma a violent and 
unexpected cut on her fore-foot, and the animal gave a 
startling jump, the ‘Mittle country miss” impressed even 
her by her coolness and self-control, which she did not lose 
for a moment. 

Miss von Wetter rides Sorma ? ” cried D’Ouchy, almost 
frightened. Is not that risky, your Highness, to trust the 
young lady to this capricious animal, who has given even 
our best cavalry officers trouble ? Sorma is a neck-breaker. 


144 


The Wild Rose, 


and for the past ten days has had no exercise except in the 
court-yard.” 

If Miss von Wetter is afraid of a somewhat hot temper- 
ament, naturall)^ another horse is at her disposal,” replied 
the princess, with biting irony. We have animals in the 
stable, unfortunately, which even an old market-woman 
could ride without saddle or bridle.” 

Josephine smiled. I beg you to intrust Sorma to me 
without the slightest hesitation, your Highness. We shall 
soon get accustomed to each other.” 

Then they rode on. Through the park at a moderate 
pace, then through the forest, which was surrounded by a 
fence of not very great height. The old forester was about 
to hurry out and open the gate, but Sylvie cried impatiently : 
‘‘Are you crazy, old man? Let it alone!” struck her 
chestnut sharply, and leaped the fence. A branch caught 
her gown and tore it, and the sharp jerk made the rider 
swerve considerably in her saddle. She reined in her 
horse, and with quivering nostrils watched the others follow 
her. 

* 

Detleff and Lehrbach came first. Then followed Miss 
von Dienheim, Mr. von Norbach and Hattenheim close be- 
hind her. D’Ouchy hesitated. His face was pale, and his 
lips quivered. 

“ I am anxious about you,” said he to Josephine. “ Jump 
first ! ” 

She smiled and nodded. A light chirrup, a scarcely 
perceptible touch of her whip, and Sorma, slender, graceful 
as a chamois, took the leap. As if a part of the saddle, 
Josephine’s slender figure scarcely moved. 

“ Bravo ! ” cried D’Ouchy, delightedly. “ Brilliant ! ” ex- 
claimed Prince Detleff and Lehrbach. But Sylvie turned 
her head with a jerk. “ Forward ! ” cried she between her 


The Wild Rose, 


145 


teeth, seized the reins with iron fingers, and rushed along 
the deserted road. 

Where the road divided she sprang aside, across the exer- 
cising place. With wild leaps over hedges and ditches, her 
bearing was no longer calm and distinguished. At length 
she slackened her pace, again drew herself up defiantly, and 
glanced closely, almost piercingly, at Josephine. She still 
sprang on at her side, considerably ahead of Miss von Dien- 
heim, D’Ouchy, and Hattenheim. Her cheeks were flushed, 
her eyes shone with delight, but her bearing was wholly un- 
changed. 

Sylvie knew what it was to stop Sorma. She waited for 
this moment, and already saw horse and rider chasing wildly 
over the field. But she was mistaken. The mare, indeed, 
foaming and panting, tried to rebel, but the little hands 
restrained her as if of iron ; and when she reared almost 
straight, the whip flashed through the air upon neck and 
thigh, and then the slender, girlish hand stroked and patted 
the obedient animal. 

The whole scene was but the work of a moment, but it had 
wholly changed the princess’s face. She stared in surprise 
at Gooseherd Liesel, who rode up to her with a radiant smile. 

Oh, your Highness, how I thank you for this ride ! ” 
cried she warmly and sincerely. ‘^For the first time, I felt 
as if I were at home.” 

Sylvie nodded to her. There was a certain recognition 
in her smile. You understand how to ride, little one ! I 
would not have thought you could sit so firmly in the 
saddle ! ” 

Use approached with bright red cheeks. She looked very 
dishevelled, and her hair hung wildly about her face and 
neck. She did not look as stiff as usual, and one could see 

that she was already tired. “ Where now ? ” she cried. 

10 


146 


The Wild Rose, 


Sylvie glanced quickly at the men. ‘‘Now we will see 
whether Count Lehrbach is right when he asserts that the 
forester’s house is a half hour’s ride from here when one 
takes the road, and three-quarters of an hour when one takes 
the roundabout way through the woods.” 

Eh biefi^ your Highness, I persist in this assertion, let us 
try it,” said Gunther, shrugging his shoulders carelessly. 

“Try it?” Sylvie laughed mockingly. “No, we will 
make a wager, gentlemen, and divide ourselves into two 
hostile parties. On the one side the goats, on the other 
the sheep, without comparison. The gentlemen shall ride 
along the road, and we ladies will wager that we will be 
there before you. So you must give us a quarter of an 
hour’s start.” 

“ Nonsense, Sylvie ! ” Detleff shook his head vexedly. 
“ How can we let you ladies race through woods and field 
alone ? if anything should happen ” 

Sylvie’s rough laugh interrupted him. She drew out her 
red-bordered handkerchief and rubbed her cheeks and fore- 
head. “ If anything should happen. Heaven knows we three 
could help ourselves. The Aveaker sex has its strong ex- 
ceptions, my boy, and besides it is all the same to the devil, 
if he wishes to break the neck of a beautiful Amazon, 
whether six cavaliers or none are present ! You act as if I 
had never ridden alone. Forward ! the gentlemen along 
the road, and we through the woods, and whoever is first at 
the aim has won.” 

“ What is the wager to be, your Highness ? ” laughingly 
cried Lehrbach. “ I propose that we settle that safely, for 
else we men, born to perpetual gallantry, must yield in any 
case. How would it be if we should condemn the ladies to 
embroider a table-cloth or fire-screen ?” 

Sylvie made a face at him, and Miss von Dienheim 


The Wild Rose, 


147 


tapped her forehead in silent question, then the princess 
cried : You seem to know my vulnerable spot, Fortunatus, 

and wish to raise a needle as weapon against me ! A mis- 
take ! The losers shall give a breakfast at Boppart’s in the 
Bellevue, and you shall propose the toast to the ladies, 
count ; that is my revenge for your table-cloth proposition.” 

Bravo ! A breakfast ! Oysters and champagne ! ” cried 
the men. Then the horses were turned in opposite direc- 
tions, and Sylvie commanded : “ One — two — hurrah ! ” 

The horses rushed off as if shot, the hoofs clattered on 
the stony ground, a short echo from the road, and then the 
fir-branches of the forest closed over the heads of the three 
women. 

Listen ! ” cried Sylvie, in her rough manner. We will 
get the best of them. I have studied the map of this part 
of the country. If we ride straight across the meadows 
past the brick-kiln, we will save at least twenty minutes ; 
straight along this path, the woods begin to grow thinner 
already.” 

Famous!” replied Use. “That is a fine joke. We 
must be there first unless the skies should fall.” 

The sound of their voices was half drowned by the 
breeze, so fast were they rushing along. The woods already 
lay behind them, before them lay a field, at the other side 
of which, red roofs shone through the trees. 

“ There is the kiln, keep in that direction — a ditch, 
hop ! ” And the habits flew out in the breeze, the ditch was 
crossed, and on they rushed. 

“To the right, across the orchard and that field. Behind 
that tall tree is the forest pond, and then we are scarcely 
five minutes from our destination.” 

“We have a considerable advantage, your Highness!” 
cried Josephine gayly. 


The Wild Rose, 



We shall be there at least twelve or fifteen minutes 
before the lords of creation,” added Use. 

The horses' hoofs crossed the meadow noiselessly, Prin- 
cess Sylvie several lengths in advance. Suddenly she cried. 

Halt ! we are coming to marshy ground.” 

Her horse’s hoofs were already in water, and his fore- 
feet sank deeper and deeper. With superhuman strength, 
Sylvie tried to extricate him. ‘‘Accursed pond, may the 
devil take you ! ” she hissed, pale as her chemisette. “ Hey, 
Caesar, back! Take footing, so — so — good Caesar! Hey, 
jump ! ” And once more she assisted him as much as pos- 
sible. At last with a snort, the animal regained the firm 
ground, but at that moment, his rider slipped from his 
back. 

“For God’s sake!” cried Josephine, and with great 
presence of mind, seized Caesar’s reins. But the horse 
stood there trembling, and bathed in sweat. 

Sylvie rose, freed her foot from the stirrup, and for a 
moment pressed her hands against her temples as if stunned ; 
her face usually so red was absolutely bloodless. 

“Your Highness, what has happened?” cried Use, and 
started to leave her horse. “ Are you hurt ? did you injure 
yourself ? ” 

Then life returned to the princess. 

“ Stay in your saddle ! Ride on ! take the turn round the 
farm, there is yet time ! ” And stamping her foot wildly, 
she cried, with angrily flushed cheeks: “The saddle girth 
is broken. The accursed horse burst it with his exertions. 
What is to be done now ? Run on foot ? Oh, I could 
scream with rage ! ” And Sylvie seized the saddle, and 
beside herself with excitement, hurled it to the ground with 
her powerful arms. 

Josephine had slipped from her horse. 


The Wild Rose, 


149 


‘‘ Quick, your Highness, here, mount on this stone ! You 
ride ! ” she urged in feverish haste. 

And you ? ” 

Mount ! — I will come ! ” And forgetting all respect, 
Josphine seized the princess by the arm, and pushed her 
towards Sorma. 

Sylvie mounted with Miss von Wetter’s assistance. 

Forward, Use!” she cried. There, make a curve 
around the oak tree. We will come back for you, Joseph- 
ine 1 ” And with a cut of her whip, she rushed away like 
an embodied Valkyr, followed by Use. Suddenly she heard 
horse’s hoofs behind her. 

Heigh-ho ! ” cried Gooseherd Liesel’s voice. There sat 
Miss von Wetter on the unsaddled horse. ‘‘ She clings like 
a cat to a horse,” Uncle Bernd used to say, who had often 
seen her riding around the yard thus. The reins wrapped 
around her hands which were fairly buried in the thick mane, 
the young girl was half reclining on the horse’s back. 

“Josephine ! ” cried both ladies, rigid with astonishment. 
“ Go on ! — I will follow somewhat more slowly,” was the 
answer. 

Before them appeared the roof of the forester’s house, 
two — three minutes more, and Princess Sylvie dashed up to 
the goal. 

“Hurrah ! ” cried she joyously, “won ! ” 

The men came dashing down the road, Lehrbach and 
Detleff in advance. Her Highness had distanced them by 
a couple of horses’ lengths. 

Use arrived at the same time with the men. 

“ Flere I am ! ” cried she, with glowing face, reining her 
smoking horse before the door of the house. “ The road 
was too narrow for me to ride beside her Highness, or else 
I should have arrived at the same time.” 


150 


The Wild Rose, 


Nonsense ! ” laughed Lehrbach. Your black horse can- 
not compete with Caesar/’ 

“ Where is the little Wetter ?” cried Detleff and D’Ouchy 
at the same instant. Hattenheim had already ridden to the 
turn of the road, and waved his handkerchief. 

So far behind ? ” Gunther looked highly surprised. 

Has anything happened to the horse ? is it lame ? ” 

Hurrah ! ” cried Baron d’Ouchy, suddenly. Incredi- 
ble ! Great heavens ! Miss von Wetter is riding without a 
saddle.” 

He had sprung from his horse, throwing his reins to one 
of the foresters who came hurrying up, and rushed to meet 
the young lady, who drew near at a trot. 

“ Miss Josephine ! ” cried Detleff, in great astonishment. 

Mon Dicii ! Did you take lessons of Renz ? ” 

“ Not that, your Highness ; but I grew up out-doors, as 
Uncle Bernd says,” she replied from her strange position. 
^‘Besides, necessity makes one venturesome.” 

D’Ouchy stood at her side. His face cleared. He glanced 
up at her as if bewitched, and raised his arms. Come 
down, you witch ! ” said he softly. 

She slid down from the horse’s back. For a second he 
held the slender form in his arms. Her hand rested on his 
shoulder, and her right arm was around his neck. 

He carried her two steps further to the gravel path, then 
gently put her down. She tottered. Her limbs had become 
stiff from the cold and ride, and he drew her arm through 
his and supported her. 

“ Were you worried about me ? ” she asked. 

He silently shook his head. It seemed to him that his 
throat was closed. 

The forester had assisted Sylvie from her horse, and maids 
and children peeped curiously out of windows and doors. 


The Wild Rose. 


151 


The gentlemen surrounded Josephine. Did you meet 
with an accident ? Where is your saddle ?” asked Hatten- 
heim, with a face in which alarm and proud joy fought for 
the victory. 

You are an artist ! What an achievement her ride was, 
without a saddle ! ” boasted Detleff. I kiss this little 
master hand ! ” And he bowed chivalrously, and suited the 
action to the word. 

Only Lehrbach stood silently near her. His eyes rested 
gloomily upon her face. Mentally he saw this forehead 
covered with blood — the slender limbs broken and rigid. 
A shudder ran over him. For the first time in his life he 
trembled for the life of another, even after it was all over. 

^^But explain it all, ladies !” cried Detleff, impatiently. 

Did Miss von Wetter wish to prove her courage to you, 
Sylvie ? ” 

The princess drew nearer. Not her courage, but rather 
her faithful friendship and devotion,” said she, drawn up to 
her full height, as she drew Gooseherd Diesel in her arms 
and pressed a kiss upon her forehead. ‘‘ I respect you, 
Josephine ; and people who impress me, I love. We will 
see a great deal of each other now. We will neither of us 
forget this morning.” 

Then she turned to the forester, haughty as ever. “Well, 
old man, open your best room, and let us take a short rest 
here. I wish to drink a glass of warm beer, and tell the 
gentlemen our latest adventure ; so make ready ! ” And 
she took Lehrbach ’s arm, and ascended the stone steps of 
the forester’s house. 



XIII. 


The distinguished guests, so unexpected, burst into the 
large corner room of the ground floor, the best room of the 
forester’s house, before the head forester had time to slip 
into the green coat of his uniform. They were used to such 
sudden visits, and his wife always kept her red Sunday dress 
and v/hite embroidered apron hanging behind her room door 
in readiness. 

Princess Sylvie threw herself down upon a sofa. At her 
right side. Prince Detleff removed her gloves, while Count 
Lehrbach sat in an arm-chair at her left, and rubbed and 
chafed her cold hands. Then she told of her accident in 
the marsh, heaped accusations upon the innocent Caesar, 
and with unrestrained admiration called Miss von Wetter 
‘‘a devilish fine woman, who rides better than all the rest 
of us together and quarrelled with her brother, who 
declared the wager, under the circumstances, absolutely 
lost, as the hand of justice had exposed the ladies’ trick. 

‘‘You left the woods, and took the way across the meadow, 
so by all the laws of God and man, you must pay the 
penalty,’' he cried with an emphatic blow of his whip upon 
the forester’s carefully preserved walnut table. 

“ Oh, open your eyes, blind, foolish men, and see how 
maliciously women deceive you,” hummed Gunther, raised 
his slender hand and made a negative gesture. “ No, no, 
your Highness, the breakfast will not come off this time ; 
we will drink our egg-nog to the improvement of the 
ladies.” 


The Wild Rose, 


153 


‘‘Good, I honorably admit my wager lost,” finally laughed 
Sylvie, “ and will pay it, even if not by a table-cloth em- 
broidered by my own hands, or an oyster breakfast. Guess 
Fortunatus, how I intend regaling you ?” 

Gunther raised his head more politely than eagerly. He 
had just been observing Gooseherd Liesebs hand, which, 
slender, white, and well-kept, not reminding one in the 
slightest of the little brown, uncouth fist of former days, 
rested on one of the broad arms of her chair. He was 
absent-minded, and sought to conceal it by an interested 
expression. 

“ I should not dare to express my immoderate hopes and 
wishes aloud, your Highness ! ” said he with a resigned 
smile. “But I blindly confide in your excellent taste, and 
with rapture applaud all of your original ideas in advance.” 

“ Bravo, go on ! ” said Use from the background ; but 
Sylvie rested her cheek on her hand, and gazed straight into 
the young count’s eyes. 

“ I will sing to you,” said she shortly. 

There was delighted applause. 

“That is a charming idea, sister; and also very practi- 
cable,” laughed Detleff, somewhat haughtily. “ At worst it 
merely strains a throat and not a purse. But you will per- 
mit us to add a clause, and select the programme ; other- 
wise we are wholly cognizant of the great distinction which 
you confer upon us.” 

Sylvie tapped him on the shoulder, and continued in his 
manner : “ But pray provide a good supper before and 

after, so that we can endure the musical honor. That is 
what you were about to suggest to your practical sister, is 
it not ? Well, sirs, so that you may see that I do not wish 
to deck myself in strange feathers or peculiarities, I re- 
nounce the role of saving housewife, and herewith invite 


The Wild Rose, 


IS4 


you all to a supper after the musical enjoyment, the 7nenu 
of which I myself will plan with all due taste.” 

Baron d’Ouchy turned quickly to the princess. ‘‘To 
complete your kindness, will your Highness permit your 
victorious audience to really select the programme of your 
concert ? ” 

“As far as I am concerned,” Sylvie smiled, and showed 
her white teeth. “ Each may choose his favorite song, and 
if possible, I will sing it. Only one thing I forbid — no 
requiems ! I absolutely lack the skill for such,” and she 
threw back her head more arrogantly than frivolously. 

At this moment the door opened, and the forester’s wife 
appeared in the doorway, courtesying deeply, and holding 
in her hands a tray of smoking glasses. 

Sylvie was very talkative, praised the egg-nog, asked the 
little woman after her affairs, and even gave her her hand 
to kiss when she modestly withdrew. Then she seized a 
glass, and raised it to Josephine. “To the health of the 
rider of unsaddled horses ! ” she cried gayly. 

The glasses clinked, and conversation became general, 
until Prince Detlelf remarked, that Miss von Wetter could 
not possibly return to the capital without a saddle, and must 
wait here, a charming captive, until a carriage could be sent 
for her. \ 

“Naturally!” nodded Sylvie. “You have become a 
sacrifice to your generosity, dear Wetter ; and must now 
drain the glass to the dregs by remaining prisoner for two 
hours on bread and egg-nog. It sounds fearful, but it shall 
be alleviated as much as possible. Who of the gentlemen 
will remain as protector to our aristocratic rider, and volun- 
tarily share her exile ? ” 

All of the men eagerly declared themselves ready, 
although Josephine laughingly assured them that she needed 


The Wild Rose. 


155 


neither companion nor protector, the honest forester was 
at hand with his rifle. But Prince Detleff shrugged his 
shoulders. 

A fight for Josephine !” he laughed. You will un- 
derstand, dear sister, that there can here be no question of 
voluntary withdrawal.” 

‘‘Well, throw dice for it,” interposed Sylvie dryly. 

“Brilliant, that is an idea,” cried D’Ouchy. “There 
are, it is to be hoped, cards or dice in the house. I fly, 
your Highness, to lay the decisive instrument in your 
hands.” 

The forester was found to have a pack of cards, and 
Sylvie spread them out in a fan, and went up to the men. 

“ Whoever draws the highest card, will have the honor of 
remaining with Miss von Wetter,” said she solemnly, and let 
Prince Detleff draw. 

“ Hurrah, king of spades ! ” 

Count Lehrbach laughed somewhat nervously. “ Bravo, 
your Highness, that was worthy of a prince ! ” 

Baron d’Ouchy drew the knave of clubs, and Mr. von 
Norbach now drew, while Hattenheim watched him with 
interest. 

“ Ha, ha, ha 1 Seven of diamonds ! ” laughed the others. 
“You could not have been more modest, my good baron ! ” 

Then Hattenheim advanced. He calmly drew a card. 
“ Ace of clubs ! Hurrah ! Fatty has drawn the grand 
prize,” cried Gunther, but his lips trembled, and he grew 
pale as the handkerchief which he nervously drew through 
his fingers. “ Infamous ! ” cried Detleff. 

“ Will you also draw, or do you not grudge Hattenheim 
the palm of victory ? ” asked Sylvie, and glanced strangely 
at Lehrbach. She seemed to await in security his negative 
answer, for she had already let the hand with the cards sink. 


The V/ild Rose. 



No, your Highness, I must not indulge my friend like 
that.” Gunther’s eyes flashed at Reimar, he seemed 
scarcely to notice Sylvie’s expression. ‘^Voluntarily to 
withdraw would be no nobility, but lack of confldencein my 
fate. Let us see whether I have really become a hete notr 
with Madame Fortune.” 

And with a peculiarly obstinate expression. Count Glin- 
ther drew a card, glanced at it and then silently held it up ; 
unspeakable triumph shone in his dark eyes. 

“ Ace of hearts, by all the powers ! ” cried Detleff. 
“ Truly you are fortunate ! You are an incredible fellow, 
Lehrbach ! ” 

“ Health to the victor, Lehrbach ! ” Mr. von Norbach 
hastened to remark. 

“ Pardon, gentlemen,” interposed Hattenheim calmly. 
“ At present the victory rests between the two aces. Friend 
Gunther and I must once more try our fate. May I ask 
your Highness ? I hope this beautiful hand will once more 
give me fortune.” 

He drew. “ Ten of clubs, alas ! that offers many 
chances to surpass me.” 

Gunther’s slender Angers rested hesitatingly over the 
cards, at last he drew. 

King of hearts — Eureka ! ” 

There was a strange tone in the young ofAcer’s voice, an 
unconcealed satisfaction in the laugh with which he held 
the card out to Hattenheim. He had also emphasized the 
words “ King of hearts,” in a peculiar manner which only 
Hattenheim noticed. 

“ I withdraw,” said he, shrugging his shoulders ; and 
admit that you are lucky at cards, old friend, without envy ; 
for the proverb offers a very fine consolation to those who 
are unlucky at them.” 


The Wild Rose, 


157 


Hattenheim said it jokingly, without the slightest sharp- 
ness, but Gunther set his teeth, and Princess Sylvie laughed 
softly. You surely do not mean to make us believe that 
Fortunatus is unlucky with his love affairs, Mr. von Hatten- 
heim ? ” 

Fatty, do not smile so mysteriously, you will compro- 
mise me,” said Lehrbach, with attempted mockery. But 
Reimar smiled with a side glance at his friend, and said 
unabashed : ‘‘ Not as a rule, your Highness,” 

Sylvie listened, and Miss von Dienheim drew nearer with 
open-mouthed curiosity. 

And in special cases ? ” asked the princess slowly, with 
an inexplicable glance at Gunther. 

Before Hattenheim had time to answer. Count Lehrbach 
drew nearer, and contrary to etiquette, with a deep bow, 
brought his lips as near as possible to Sylvie’s ear, and 
replied hastily, and in a low voice : Once I was unlucky, 

your Highness, and received, instead of a rose, a twig of 
laurel.” 

Sylvie smiled with great self-satisfaction. She had not 
expected this answer, and it was so much the more opportune. 

Josephine and Count Lehrbach watched the others de- 
part from the door of the house, and when they were out 
of sight, Josephine turned for the first time to her com- 
panion. I think our presence disturbs the forester’s 
family,” said she. How would it be if we took a little 
walk ? ” 

Lehrbach smiled. “Certainly, Miss Josephine. I am 
your obedient servant, and wholly at your command.” 

Silently they walked along in the sunny woods. The 
snow had melted ; brown, gray, and green moss covered the 
ground ; and the blue sky smiled at them through the bare 
branches of the trees. 


158 


The Wild Rose. 


Gunther glanced down at the young girl. Fate has 

placed me at your side, Miss Josephine, to fulfil a wish of 
mine. I was egotistic enough to take advantage of this 
privilege without question, and yet it was my duty to first 
assure myself that fate had also done you a favor in making 
me your companion.” 

‘‘ A favor ? ” Josephine smiled without the slightest em- 
barrassment. I must frankly confess that I have not yet 
thought of that. I found it very charming in the gentle- 
men to be willing to sacrifice themselves for two hours for 

>> 

me. 

Lehrbach’s expression darkened. Here I should pay 
you a compliment, but I have disaccustomed myself to 
trivial phrases with you.” 

The blue eyes suddenly glanced at him. 

‘‘And why?” she asked with an almost bitter look. 
“Now I am accustomed to the manner and ways of the 
world, and no longer run the danger of confusing truth and 
poetry. Your charming little phrases have spoiled me ; I 
should be surprised at sober truth from you.” 

He laughed harshly. “ Do you intend in future always 
to take this tone with me ?” he asked roughly. 

“ I answer your question. Are you surprised if I am 
different from formerly ? That is the fault of the gay, 
strange life of the capital to which your own seductive 
descriptions lured me, and which has now applied its file to 
all Gooseherd Diesel’s superfluous little corners and edges 
— it calls them credulity and confidence — to neatly remove 
them. You know the world, you must know best how much 
I yet need, to fill this brilliant frame. And now that this 
world has changed me, are you astonished at your own 
work ? ” 

His lips twitched. “ You are mistaken, Miss von Wetter. 


The Wild Rose. 


159 


The capital does not complete such an artistic bit of work. 
It has given you a new, strange veneer, but it has not 
touched heart and soul. I know you better — I know 
that you wear a mask to me, that I am sentenced to pay 
for a single ball night. That is unjust in you. Has not the 
world repaid you for its blindness at first ? Are you not 
more sought after than almost any other lady in society 1 ” 
Through your doing ? ” Josephine laughed softly, sadly. 

Why this arguing, count ? If you think this result of a 
sudden social fancy replaces me for the high price I paid, 
you are mistaken. Could I change, I would gladly be what 
I was formerly, the plain Gooseherd Liesel, without hat and 
gloves, in the Stauffen hay, with a peaceful, happy heart. 
Ah, how different it is now ! Her voice trembled, as if 
with a passionate sob. She had let her excitement carry 
her away, and had said more than she wished. 

Then she felt her hand seized, and Gunther’s strangely 
altered face bent down to her. 

Why do you torment me so ? ” he said in a constrained 
voice. Yes, woe is me that I ever tore the wild rose from 
her native soil ! Woe for me, and for you ! ” 

She commanded herself, drew away her hand, and shook 
her head. You are becoming sentimental, it seems. Count 
Lehrbach ! ” said she carelessly, “ and that is badly suited 
to the carnival of pleasure in which we live. I assure you 
I am in the best way to forget my lost ideals, for fate has 
brought me true friends.’' 

You mean Hattenheim ? ” 

‘‘ Him before all others,” she nodded gayly. ‘‘ He has 
been my anchor from the first. And besides, he is so 
changed ; no longer the quiet, shy Hattenheini of formerly. 
And even for his sake. Count Lehrbach,” she continued, 
jokingly, I can really never be seriously angry with you.” 


i6o 


The Wild Rose. 


Lehrbach snapped his riding- whip through the air. ‘^Do 
you think, Miss Josephine, that I fear your anger ? How 
much rather would I have your hatred than your indiffer- 
ence ! ” 

The old arrogance suddenly was perceptible in his voice. 
As he received no answer, he barred her path, so that she 
had to look at him. His eyes laughed as formerly, when 
they had won her whole heart. “Would you really have 
me believe that you have wholly and entirely forgotten the 
summer ? “ 

She fought a hard battle with her stormy heart. She 
knew that all his words and glances were false, mere spray 
which the wind would blow away as soon as his back was 
turned to her ; but there was such a magic power in this 
man’s eyes and voice. 

Josephine forced herself to remember that this voice was 
the same which had asked her for the “polka before the 
cotillon,” and avoided looking at him, while her lips curled 
in sarcasm. 

“ And would you really flatter me by telling me that you 
still remember the summer so well ? ” 

“ Flatter ? By this word you prove to me that I am not 
wholly indifferent to you, that you still think of me ! ” 

She looked at him. A smile crossed her charming face. 

Naturally ! For Hattenheim’s sake ! ” 

His spurs rattled loudly, he placed his foot down with 
such force. 

*^How deeply I am indebted to Fatty !” said he with a 
laugh, switching at the branches with his whip. Through 
the trees they could see the road, and they caught a glance 
of the princess and her companions just then emerging from 
the forest. 

“ Already past the kiln ! ” cried Gunther, holding his 


The Wild Rose. 


i6i 


hand above his eyes and gazing after the rider. How she 
rides ! The Scythian Amazon of the nineteenth century ! ” 
he murmured, with a sharp look, and suddenly turned to 
Josephine. 

Miss von Wetter,” said he, with warm sincerity in glance 
and tone, “ does that sight please you ? ” 

The young girl looked up in surprise. How can I pro- 
nounce an opinion upon her ? ” said she, shaking her blonde 
head. 

Do you distrust me ? I ask you as a friend, who con- 
siders every one justified in holding an opinion.” 

‘H should not like to vex you.” 

Vex me in condemning Princess Sylvie ? ” He laughed 
aloud, and then shook his head seriously. You will not 
vex me. Miss Josephine. Speak ! Do you think that a 
beautiful or worthy sight ? ” 

She looked at him frankly. Neither the one nor the 
other. I think riding a delightful pastime, but I never 
knew that it could be so exaggerated. I know, Count 
Lehrbach, that I am criticising my own actions, for as I have 
just shown, I ride in a more emancipated fashion than the 
princess even, on an unsaddled horse. I like to ride, have 
been used to horses from my childhood, and had no oppor- 
tunity in my solitude to form an opinion concerning it by 
sight of strangers. Why did you never blame me when we 
rode together in Stauffen ? Why did you encourage me in 
the boldest trials, and why do you now condemn what at 
that time you praised ? ” 

Gunther’s eyes rested dreamily on her face. 

At that time ! ” he repeated, drew a deep breath, and 
shook his head. So much has changed since then. 
Besides, you are mistaken if you think I object to riding for 
ladies ; not at all, my objection is very special, and is con- 

II 


162 


The Wild Rose. 


nected with Princess Sylvie, and perhaps my injured sense 
of the beautiful. It offends my eyes to see the way in 
which her little Highness and Miss von Dienheim snap their 
fingers at every aesthetic feeling.” 

You are too harsh a critic ! ” 

“ A very mild expression of opinion concerning your grace- 
ful riding would probably be called ‘charming phrases’ by 
you, as you no longer believe me, so there is no way for me 
to prove the opposite to you.” Gunther had removed his 
cap and pushed back the dark hair from his forehead. The 
earnest expression of his face was unusual and made him 
look older. 

“So you have no objection to my riding?” said she 
jokingly. “ I will try not to offend the sense of the beauti- 
ful.” 

He raised his head, and looked at her seriously. “ I 
have no right to make a request of you. Miss von Wetter,” 
said he, unusually gently. “ But I should consider it wrong 
to be silent now from fear of a harsh answer. May I speak ? ” 

She nodded mechanically, with eyes fixed on his face. 

“ In future do not ride with Princess Sylvie.” He said it 
slowly and distinctly, and his manner was wholly different 
from the gay Fortunatus of formerly. 

“ And why not ? ” Josephine drew herself up. “ Are you 
afraid that ‘ evil communications will corrupt good man- 
ners ’ ? ” Her mouth twitched ironically. 

He shook his head. 

“ I should have no reason to fear that. Your good judg- 
ment would protect you better than any warning. But I 
fear for you. I know Princess Sylvie. There are even 
more dangerous horses in the court stables than Sorma. 
Your wonderful act to-day will be praised, and there are 
more venturesome rides than the one to-day. You do not 


The Wild Rose, 



know the world and ambitious women. They will plan 
expeditions which sooner or later must lead to harm, and to 
prevent such danger is my duty, Miss von Wetter. It is not 
because I and many others prefer to see a woman in a draw- 
ing-room than on the back of a vicious horse which prompts 
me to say this, but only the care for your life, for your 
sound limbs. Because I do not wish to see you exposed to 
a danger which I know and realize, I beg you to avoid 
future rides with the princess, under some suitable pretext.” 

The young officer spoke with increasing excitement, his 
handsome face wore an alniost defiantly decided expression, 
and yet Josephine had never heard such a sincere ring in 
his voice. She lowered her eyes, and with the tip of her 
foot turned the stones in the path over and over. 

‘/And are you not afraid that the princess herself may 
meet with some misfortune because of her rashness ? ” she 
asked, instead of answering. 

Gunther shrugged his shoulders, while a very unflattering 
smile played about the corners of his mouth. “ No,” said 
he harshly. “ I have not troubled myself with that thought. 
Her Highness takes such particular pains to emphasize the 
fact that there are exceptions among the weaker sex, that 
she does not seem to need the advice and protection of a 
stronger person. But why this digression ? Pray answer 
my request, or have I again been unfortunate enough to be 
misunderstood by you ? ” The old bitterness and im- 
patience sounded in his words. 

Josephine bent her head back and looked straight into 
his eyes, an indescribably sweet smile lit up her face like 
sunshine. Quickly she gave him her hand, and it seemed 
to Count Lehrbach that the slender fingers trembled under 
his pressure. 

“ No, Count Lehrbach, you are not misunderstood, but at 


164 


The Wild Rose, 


this moment, more than ever one of my friends. I thank 
you with all my heart for the friendly interest which you 
take in me and my fate, and I promise you to consider all 
that you have said, even if I am convinced that your antipa- 
thy to the princess's bold riding makes you see too blackly. 
I will do what is in my power to fulfil your request. But if 
it is impossible for me to withdraw from future horseback- 
rides, you must not think it obstinacy, but a caprice of fate, 
who has perhaps appointed ‘ a fearful end ' for me.’' 

Lehrbach kissed her hand. God forbid ! ” said he 
shortly. 

The wind rose and blew coldly through the leafless 
branches of the trees. 

We had better return,” said Miss von Wetter, after a 
short pause. 

Gunther drew along breath and turned. ‘‘Yes, we will 
go,” said he ; “ the sun is hidden behind snow clouds, lest 
foolish men should fancy that it was summer again.” 

For a short time they walked on in silence, until the 
young count suddenly began to make plans for the future. 
He would pass all his furlough next summer at Lehrbach, 
and supervise the building of the new pheasantry which his 
father had already planned. Formerly he had not seen 
much charm in country life, but now he was of a different 
opinion. He now had such a passion for Lehrbach, that he 
thought of refusing Prince Detleff’s invitation to accompany 
him to Paris, even should the duchess and Sylvie resolve 
to join them and visit the great exposition. 

Count Lehrbach was very animated, and gay as he had 
not been for weeks. He laughed and jested in the most 
light-hearted manner. 



XIV. 

Princess Sylvie kept her word. A musical soiree was 
arranged in the palace, which was to be more magnificent 
than any before. The occasion of this entertainment was 
associated with the arrival of Crown Prince Karl, which 
had been definitely announced for the day before. Only 
amateurs of the highest aristocracy were to assist in the 
musical programme, to afford the necessary variety to the 
princess’s own performance, except in the intermissions, 
when the court band was to play Sylvie’s favorite composi- 
tions in the winter garden. 

In the little drawing-room adjoining the conservatory 
was built the stage upon which for the first time her High- 
ness was to sing before a large, although very exclusive 
circle. 

Utter silence prevailed among the audience when they 
assembled on the evening of the great affair ; scarcely a 
bracelet rattled. Before the concert grand piano, sat Ange 
Lattdorf, and accompanied Leon d’Ouchy, Marquis de la 
Bruyere, who opened the concert with a stormy Czardas. 
The ducal party sat in the front row, Duke Franz Eginhard 
at the side of his mother ; the Crown Prince Karl Theodor, 
a grave-looking man, with a dark, full beard, and piercing 
eyes, dressed in the uniform of his guard, at the left, beside 
Princess Sylvie. 

Baron d’Ouchy played wonderfully, and Countess Ange 


i66 


The Wild Rose. 


accompanied him with great taste. It was a magic shower 
of fire and sparks which the young diplomat drew from his 
violin. Josephine gazed as if spell-bound at his pale face 
and demoniac eyes, which glowed more passionately than 
ever under their dark brows. 

“ Very interesting ! He looks superbly handsome this 
evening,” Countess Aosta whispered in her neighbor’s ear. 

The baron is a born artist, and one must involun- 
tarily remember Paganini’s mysterious charm over women’s 
hearts.” 

The duchess gave the signal for vigorous applause, and 
D’Ouchy chivalrously placed Countess Ange in the fore- 
ground. Detleff gazed at her closely. The cold beauty 
was glowing as a rose, her hand seemed to tremble on the 
diplomat’s arm, he saw the glance which she gave the latter 
as he led her back to her place. 

Then Countess Aosta stepped to the piano, escorted by 
Lehrbach, and played one of Chopin’s compositions. She 
also earned hearty applause. Prince Detleff even cried 
“ Bravo ! ” a\idibly. 

Mr. von Brocksdorf sang two songs with great embarrass- 
ment, a trio was played, and finally the princess rose, took 
her brother’s arm, and, escorted upon the other side by 
Count Lehrbach, stepped upon the stage. Turning to 
D’Ouchy, she said: ‘‘Your selection is to be given first, 
D’Ouchy, because you have decidedly the best taste of 
them all.” 

The attache bowed, very much flattered, and the princess 
gave the signal to her accompanist to begin. 

*‘ Meine Riih ist hin., mein Herz ist schwerj' Gretchen’s 
song at the spinning-wheel, had been Baron d’Ouchy’s 
choice. 

The princess sang it touchingly, beautifully. One would 




The Wild Rose. 


167 


not have thought it possible that this harsh, rough voice 
could melt so magically into tenderness, that it could be so 
deeply passionate. And strangely enough, as if with every 
tone the singer’s whole manner was loosed from a spell, her 
angular awkwardness changed into a charm which made a 
peculiar impression upon the listener. The brilliant light 
sparkled on the gold bands set with diamonds which held 
back her hair in the Grecian style, and a costly and tasteful 
gown of white velvet, embroidered with golden amaryllis 
blossoms, made the wearer appear almost beautiful. 

Count Lehrbach had often heard Sylvie sing, and had 
each time been struck by the charming change which music 
effected, but he had never before seen the Amazon look so 
lovely as to-night. He gazed at her thoughtfully, and yet 
his gaze was a very cool one. And he fairly started from 
his thoughts when the princess finished her song and cried 
loudly and roughly as ever : ‘^Lehrbach ! Now comes the 
song which you have modestly selected. ^ The modern 
count with the old-fashioned taste,’ we will call you ! ” 
And Sylvie exchanged a hasty glance with Use, and unrolled 
her music. 

Gunther had risen and bowed silently and smilingly, then 
he quickly turned to Josephine. “ The song may be old- 
fashioned, but I am very fond of it, and know that for two 
people it has been a fate.” 

Her eyes looked at him questioningly. At the same mo- 
ment, clear as a bell, teasingly, and very distinctly, came 
from Sylvie’s lips : 

“ Once a boy a wild rose spied, — wild rose in the 
heather.” 

Josephine started ; the blood left her cheeks ; she stared 
fixedly into the dark eyes which were gazing into hers. 
“ Once a boy a wild rose spied.” There, in her mind, she 


i68 


The Wild Rose, 


saw the Gross-Stauffen meadow before her. There she lay 
comfortably in the hay, and looked at the four-leaf clover 
in the yellow old book of poems, and heard horses’ hoofs 
coming along the sandy road. “ Quickly to the spot he 
hied, gazed at it with pleasure.” Yes, then the cruel boy 
with the dark eyes had come, and with him a thousand 
enchanting pleasures, a thousand happy words, pure, un- 
clouded sunshine, no shadows, the short, indescribable 
happiness of first love. And then, then, the cruel boy 
broke the wild rose, and trampled it under foot. The 
laughing summer happiness of solitary Stauffen vanishes in 
mist. Before her mental vision rises a sultry, dazzling ball- 
room, with piercing shrieks of violins, and she remembers 
her bitter misery. But, alas ! ’twas vain to mourn, for she 
must surrender.” Yes, that was the end of the song ; that 
was the fate of the fair young rosebud, plucked and cast 
aside, dying under the feet of the cruel boy, who rushed 
away toward the dizzy heights of his ambition. 

Rosebud, rosebud, rosebud red ; wild rose in the 
heather.” Oh, how it went to her heart ! Josephine did 
not look up. The light shone on the white pearls with 
which her hlmy lace gown was embroidered, and it looked 
as if a flood of tears were sprinkled over the girl-flower. 

Gunther’s attention was immediately claimed by Use, but 
Hattenheim glanced penetratingly at his pale neighbor. 

^^That was an echo of old times,” said he softly. Had 
you forgotten. Miss Josephine ? ” 

She looked at him. A sad smile played about her lips. 
“ Forgotten ? ” said she, and shook her head as if to say : 

How little you know a girl’s heart ! ” Then she drew a 
deep breath. “ So much lies between that time and now ; 
and yet one likes to remember the past, especially when the 
remembrance is all that is left to us.” 


The WihT Rose. 


i6q 


Hattenheim nodded. Then he suddenly glanced at the 
young girl, and said hurriedly : I should like to speak 

very openly to you afterwards. Will you permit me ?” 

Miss von Wetter merely nodded in assent. Princess Syl- 
vie sang a third song. The band in the conservatory filled 
the first long pause by playing a Tannhauser fantasie, and 
the ladies and gentlemen strolled among the blooming 
splendor and slender palms of the winter garden. 

Opposite the plashing fountain, among the orange trees, 
sat Josephine and Hattenheim. The young girl’s head was 
bowed. She moved her fan almost mechanically, and her 
bosom heaved, while the officer at her side spoke eagerly in 
a low voice. 

^‘You know that Lehrbach calls me his friend, and that I 
have sworn to be one to him. I have a high opinion of true 
friendship, and have made it the object of my life. I have 
always been a step-child of love.” He shook his head 
mournfully as Josephine hastily raised her head to interrupt 
him. 

But no one who trusts me shall ever be disappointed in 
me. For that, Reimar Hattenheim is too conscientious. 
As it is my intention to guard Gunther’s happiness. Miss 
Josephine, you will not disappoint me when I ask you to 
assist me ? ” 

She looked at him with moist eyes. Do you need to 
ask that ? ” But then she lowered her dark lashes again. 
‘‘ Why must you protect your friend’s happiness ? Is it en- 
dangered ? ” she continued softly. 

Hattenheim looked down thoughtfully. “ Do you remem- 
ber a short conversation which we held in the Lehrbach park 
about Lehrbach, the child of fortune ? I told you that I 
feared the too dazzling, perpetual sunshine would make my 
friend’s character shallow and unreliant. Gunther has thus 


The Wild Rose, 


170 


far been very fortunate. He is a man good at heart, but 
with many little faults, which threaten to increase. He has 
a noble nature, but no character. And now, pardon me 
a question which perhaps sounds very indiscreet, but is 
honestly and faithfully meant. Your kindness, and all the 
thousand proofs of your confidence which have given me 
the place of friend, are a certain justification to me in 
asking it.’' 

Reimar pushed back the blonde hair from his forehead ; 
it apparently cost a great exertion for him to speak. He 
was usually so silent, and now he suddenly ventured upon 
a diplomatic undertaking. His face was deeply flushed, 
but Josephine looked him full in the eyes, and her voice 
trembled with emotion. 

“ Heaven knows that you are my friend, Mr. von Hatten- 
heim. Who more than you ? Speak quite openly. I will 
willingly answer every question of yours.” 

“ Count Gunther paid you great attention in Gross-Stauf- 
fen, he was not indifferent to you 1 ” 

No ! ” came calmly and friendly from her lips. 

‘‘ And he is not now ? ” 

Her hands clasped each other convulsively, and her face 
was white as her gown as she looked up at him. 

Not now ! ” 

He nodded slightly. 

“ Count Gunther vexed you at your first meeting here. 
Miss Josephine. Are you not angry v/ith him for this little 
weakness of his, which is very hateful, but alas ! very 
human ? ” 

She shook her head smilingly. “ Angry ? No ! Only 
foolish children complain when they prick themselves upon 
a rose thorn.” 

Again he laid his hand over his eyes, the strains of the 


The Wild Rose, 


171 


orchestra rang in their ears, and the orange blossoms ex- 
haled their heavy perfume, then he looked at her with clear 
eyes, and continued : 

My friend tries to make good his wrong to you in every 
manner. He ostentatiously seeks your society, he repeats 
to you the old, lovely words of Gross-Stauffen.” 

A charming blush rose to her face, but she met his gaze. 

He does, even if not exactly as formerly.” 

‘‘And you?” 

Her lips wore an almost bitter smile. “ I ? I no longer 
believe the lovely words.” 

“Then you bitterly wrong my friend. Miss Josephine.” 
“Wrong him?” Josephine looked at him in surprise. 
“ Do you expect me to believe in him after the bitter ex- 
perience which I have had?” And the young girl shook 
her head. “That is over, Mr. von Hattenheim.” 

“ Time and people change. I return to my theme. If 
Lehrbach is ever developed to a noble character it will be 
through the power of sorrow alone, and this sorrow has 
already softly and secretly laid a hand on his shoulder. 
Count Gunther loves you, Miss Josephine, and this not 
merely in words.” 

A soft, trembling sound came from her lips, then she 

stared at him as if in a dream. He loves me ” 

“The victory has been long delayed,” continued Reimar 
hastily, looking down at the shining sand under his feet. 
“First it was vanity, which wished to triumph over the 
ornament of the drawing-room ; then it was obstinacy, 
jealousy of me for venturing to cross his path ; and now it is 
hot, passionate love, which fights against itself, and yet is 
the only one which has ever conquered his heart. The fire 
with which he wished to play has seized him in its flames. 
As yet he does not love you as he should, as is necessary 


172 


The Wild Rose. 


for your mutual happiness ; he must not conquer yet, Miss 
Josephine, not yet ; and if you really love Count Gunther, 
hide it from him for your own and his sake. You have his 
heart in your hand, purify it, change it to true gold. Do 
not let what his eyes and words would say soften you. 
Consider that your coldness, your indifference, is the most 
powerful weapon which you possess. Gunther is jealous of 
me ; strengthen him in this illusion, do all that you can to 
make him fancy that you are lost to him, and be assured 
that this is the only way to make of our friend what we 
both wish. I will watch him, I will advise you, and tell 
you when the measure is full.” 

Josephine scarcely comprehended him. Involuntarily 
she pressed her little hands to her temples, shook her head, 
and in thought repeated to herself, “ He loves me ! ” 
Suddenly ’the soft rustle of a woman’s gown sounded on the 
sand. Ange and Baron d’Ouchy passed them. Then 
Josephine started up. thank you for your faithful 

words, Mr. von Hattenheim,” said she quickly and excitedly- 
I will remember them and follow them. When we have 
opportunity, we will return to this theme.’^ 

Then she turned to Countess Lattdorf, who had stopped 
near her, and looked at her with a strangely attentive 
glance. 

‘‘ We were looking for you,” said she smilingly. “ The 
concert is about to begin, and so brilliantly, that we abso- 
lutely must not miss it. Mr. von Reuenstein is to play the 
zither.” 

‘‘And Mrs. von Tessin is to sing,” said Count Lehrbach’s 
voice behind her. He walked hurriedly towards the draw- 
ing-room, Princess Sylvie on his arm, but turned once more 
and nodded gayly. 



XV. 

Princess Sylvie displayed a new caprice that evening. 
Leaning on the arm of ‘Gooseherd Liesel, she had walked 
up and down for a long time in the conservatory. She 
ostentatiously gave preference to the young girl, and Use 
Dienheim with a somewhat malicious air, explained that 
her Highness had recently given Count Gunther very 
ungraciously to understand that his sketches were mali- 
ciously exaggerated, and his behavior to the Wetter family 
highly ungentlemanly. It indeed threw a bad light upon 
Lehrbach ! He had been received so hospitably in Gross- 
Stauffen, and as thanks for it had so slandered the poor 
people in the capital by his malicious drawings. 

Only Countess Aosta openly took part against Josephine, 
and plotted against her wherever she could. But her 
malice found no thankful soil ; on the contrary, people 
smiled rather ironically and exchanged significant glances. 
Prince Detleff laughed loudest of all at it, and named his 
valuable new race horse ‘‘ Gooseherd Liesel,’' a tribute 

V 

which caused much comment. 

When Princess Sylvie finished her promenade and joined 
the Crown Prince Karl Theodor to tell him the details of 
her lost wager. Miss von Dienheim clung confidentially to 
Josephine’s arm and walked with her. Finally she led her 
to a nook where several young ladies and officers were 
seated, refreshing themselves with ices and conversation. 

Josephine seated herself at one side. Her head was so 


174 


The Wild Rose. 


confused, her heart so full of joy and anxiety. Ah, that 
she could be alone ! Her isolated place at Use’s side for- 
tunately somewhat excluded her from the general conversa- 
tion, the people near her were too much occupied with their 
own pleasure, and also were tolerant enough to let every 
one amuse herself in her own fashion. 

What are you thinking of ? ” suddenly a voice asked 
softly close to her ear. 

Josephine started up. Behind her, leaning on the bench 
between the blooming plants, stood Baron d’Ouchy. 

‘^You thought yourself hidden safely from me in this 
inaccessible spot, and egotistically intended merely to give 
audience to your thoughts. How little you know diplomats, 
whose duty it is to make impossible things possible.” 

As long as the obstacles are merely flowers, that will 
not be difficult.” 

How horribly you overthrow my illusions ! In our cul- 
tivated times, we have no dragons and giants to contend 
with on the road to fortune.” 

Josephine smiled at him. 

And with what do the knights sans peur et sans reproche 
fight to-day ? ” 

With their consciences.” It sounded forced. The 
pale face which was bent down toward her bore the stamp 
of a passionate mental struggle. The thin lips wore a harsh, 
terrible look. 

The hero of the past fought with an opponent of flesh 
and blood, whom a strong arm, a sharp sword, and bold 
courage could fell with a single blow. It was a fight for 
life or death, victory or destruction. But to-day it is no 
horrible monster who opposes a man, it is a brilliant, glitter- 
ing form with laughing face, it is gold against which sword 
and lance are directed.” 


The Wild Rose. 


175 


“ And cannot gold be won ? ” asked the young girl, with 
an almost anxious glance at his flushed, excited face. 

Why is work in the world if it is not the symbolic 
sword which forces the dragon gold into the dust ? 

Leon d’Ouchy laughed bitterly, sharply, and his dark eyes 
shone with wild resolve. 

‘‘ Do you know what it is to earn one’s bread with one’s 
own hands ? The sword of work is dull, and heavy as lead. 
It demands a man’s whole life for its service. Of what use 
to me is a triumph when I am old ? Love and spring are 
past, the heart is trodden in the dust in order, after long, 
long years, possibly to obtain a bag of gold. By heavens ! 
a weapon which drinks one’s own heart-blood in the conflict 
is a curse. I will enter the lists for my love and youth, and 
if the false woman rewards me, then I will believe in good 
powers.” 

There was a tone in his voice which involuntarily made 
the young girl tremble. 

In a few days it will be decided,” said he with a strange 
expression, passing his hand over his forehead. Why did 
you look at me so wonderfully while I played recently ? ” he 
asked suddenly. I felt your gaze. ” 

‘‘You never before played so well as to-day,” said she, 
frankly smiling. “ And one likes to look in the face of a 
man who can so charm heart and mind, because one invol- 
untarily fancies one must see upon his forehead some mark 
which fortune has imprinted as a sign of her favor.” 

His face twitched strangely. “ I am no favorite of for- 
tune, Miss von Wetter. I was born without any talents ; 
what I accomplish is the result of my industry. Your glance 
inspired me. I played for you alone. It seemed to me 
that you must hear it also ! ” 

His eyes shone like fire, but Josephine, she knew not why. 


176 


The Wild Rose, 


was afraid of those unfathomable eyes. Suddenly the music 
burst out in a wild strain. 

Do you hear ? The Carmen fantasy, Miss Josephine. 
A gypsy’s love acknowledges neither right, power, nor law. 
Do you like this song as well as 1 do ? It has an especial 
charm for me, because gypsy blood flows in my veins, at^d 
I understand it so well, for I, myself, love as gypsies love.” 

You ? — Gypsy blood in your veins ? ” Miss von Wetter 
paled at the question. 

He laughed strangely. That is strange, is it not ? But 
still a fact. My foster-mother was a wild, brown woman, 
with sparkling eyes and a passionate love for gold. She 
wore bright chains and bracelets on her neck and wrists, and 
these were the first things I gazed upon. The night that 
I was born gypsies’ fires shone by the park wall, and under 
the windows danced the brown children of liberty. My 
mother died, and much gold induced Almiacita, the gypsy, 
to replace her to me. Thus the hot, poisonous gypsy blood 
streamed in my veins. My cradle-songs were of love and 
hatred, my first playthings the rattling coins on Almiacita’s 
breast ; the first words which I lisped were in a strange 
tongue. Then, one night, my nurse fled. My father’s 
empty purse could hold her no longer. But I grew up a 
wild, unrestrained gypsy boy.” Leon d’Ouchy paused. 

How did you come to Germany ? ” asked Josephine 
thoughtfully. 

Let me explain that another time,” he whispered. I 
have a question to ask you, and the time is short.” He 
glanced at the people near her. They were very busy with 
each other, and Use was relating some highly amusing sto- 
ries. The others applauded. 

‘‘A question of me 1 ” repeated Josephine, looking up. 

His eyes met hers. Are you engaged to Mr. von Hat- 


The Wild Rose. 


177 


tenheim ? ” he asked almost roughly. “ It is no indiscretion 
on my part, but a question of fate.’^ 

‘‘To Mr. Hattenheim ? ” Involuntarily Miss von Wetter 
smiled, then lowered her head with a blush. At some 
distance from her she saw Count Lehrbach talking with 
Aqge. He was looking directly at her. D’Ouchy did not 
notice it. His face lit up ; he bent closer to her, and spoke 
hastily, as if delirious. 

“ I suspected — I knew it ! It must not, could not be ! 
Your heart belongs to another, Josephine, who has only one 
thought, knows but one happiness, your sweet, smiling face. 
Why are you startled ? Let me guess your lovely secret, 
which your every word and glance betrays. Your heart is 
an open book. Be true, I conjure you — only for a few days. 
Fortune has not yet spoken her last word to us. The su- 
preme power of love must conquer. Only one word, Joseph- 
ine. Confide in me, and promise me.” 

His face was flushed deeply, and with twitching lips he 
awaited her answer. Josephine looked at him as if in a 
dream, while from the orchestra sounded warningly the 
Carmen music. How did this man know that she loved 
Gunther ? How had he penetrated to her inmost heart and 
divined what no one but Hattenheim suspected ? Was he 
Lehrbach’s friend ? Since when ? She had never noticed 
or heard of it before; but suddenly a veil fell from her eyes. 
He had brought her that Marguerite in Gunther’s interest ; 
he took his part and now wished to plead for him. How 
much that was unexpected had occurred to-day to confuse 
her ! 

Suddenly the music ceased, and Use rose and called her 
name. 

“ Miss Josephine, your answer ! ” came almost like a gasp 

from D’Ouchy’s lips. She looked at him smilingly, full of 
12 


178 


The Wild Rose. 


happy confidence, nodded silently but decidedly, and laid 
her hand on Use’s arm. She did not see the effect of this 
answer. She hurried back to the drawing-room, where 
Princess Sylvie was to sing two songs as conclusion of the 
concert. Count Gunther came to her side to tell her that 
he had received permission from Countess Lattdorf to be a 
silent member of their musical evenings at Villa Carolina, 
which he should now visit oftener. 

Sylvie sang, and a shadow lay on the brow of Karl Theo- 
dor. From the moment when Sylvie told him of their ride 
for a wager he seemed somewhat distrustful, or perhaps the 
room was too close for him. 

The audience listened breathlessly. But in the winter- 
garden, among the waving ferns and heavily fragrant flowers, 
Leon d’Ouchy rested his head in both hands, and stared 
down at the ground before him with burning eyes. Through 
his soul echoed wild gypsy strains, with a rattle like that of 
the red gold on Alraiacita’s breast. 




XVI. 

Josephine had received an invitation from the Duchess 
Marie Christiane to “ drink an early cup of tea ” in the 
pavilion. They were to discuss a fair which the duchess 
wished to arrange for the benefit of the city orphan asylum. 

Miss von Wetter rejoiced greatly in the duchess's liking 
for her, to the great astonishment of the opposite party, who 
soon learned that the young girl was neither bigot nor in- 
clined to become a deaconess. On the contrary, Gooseherd 
Liesel was extremely fond of gayety, and did not attempt 
to conceal the fact that she found absolutely no pleasure in 
being active in hospital or sewing-school work. She was 
never engaged in any of these benevolent societies of the 
duchess. 

How is it possible ? How does that harmonize ? " peo- 
ple asked each other. 

Miss von Wetter answered simply : Her Highness 

thinks it wrong to urge a person to enter upon a religious 
calling unless she feels an inward direction. Forced acts of 
benevolence bring no blessing. Her Highness also thinks 
that I am still too young to devote myself to the care of 
the sick and poor. At present let me dance and be gay, for 
I will too soon realize the gravity of life.” 

Then they shrugged their shoulders, and did not wholly 
understand this opinion. They had positively expected that 
Miss von Wetter would one day emerge from the pavilion a 
nun, for was not Marie Christiane a fanatic, who had sacri- 


i8o 


The Wild Rose. 


ficed her own child upon the altar of mercy ; and did not 
all the world know that the little princess had contracted her 
illness in a hospital to which Marie Christiane had taken 
her ? This extreme friendliness was watched with the deep- 
est interest. 

The ladies’ discussion had lasted somewhat longer than 
they had expected ; the short February day had already 
vanished, and a few stars shone in the dark, threatening 
sky. Josephine was the last to leave. The duchess had 
detained her for a few moments with some questions upon 
private affairs. 

The Lattdorfs’ footman stood in the vestibule, lantern in 
hand, and waited, for the carriage, unfortunately, was in 
use. 

Josephine loved to walk through the quiet, dark park, 
when the wind whistled through the branches of the tall 
trees with a strange, melancholy sound. Wrapping her black 
lace scarf tightly round her head, the young girl hurried 
lightly along the lonely way. Henry’s lantern threw a flick- 
ering light upon her, and bathed her slender figure in a 
reddish glow. At the sides of the walk stood gloomy trees 
and bushes, like veiled spirits. 

Suddenly a man, wrapped closely in a mantle, stepped out 
from among the bushes to Miss von Wetter’s side. 

Good evening. Miss Josephine ! ” It was Count Lehr- 
bach’s voice. 

The young girl started slightly. 

You here ? — at this time ? in this weather ?” 

As you see ! Permit me to accompany you through the 
park. You have had a long seaiice to-day in the sacred 
halls.” 

Secret amusement sounded in his voice. 

How did you know of our meeting ? ” Josephine looked 


The Wild Rose, 


i8i 


at him in astonishment. The light from the lantern fell on 
his smiling face, and the wind pulled at his cloak. 

I know everything.” 

‘‘Your way leads to the Bellevue ? ” 

“ I will accompany you whithersoever you command.” 

“ I should not like to detain you.” 

“ Then let us go on, please.” 

There was a strange accent in his laughing voice. Joseph- 
ine walked silently at his side. The wind rattled the with- 
ered leaves at their feet. 

“You managed strikingly to ignore me at our last meet- 
ing,” said he suddenly, shortly. 

“ Really ? Such was not my intention.” 

“You are so greatly in demand that you have no time for 
old friends.” 

His voice was very bitter. 

“That is certainly unjust. Count Lehrbach. Mr. von 
Hattenheim has never reproached me thus.” 

She said it very coolly, pressed her hand to her heart, and 
played her role excellently. 

“Hattenheim ? Ha, ha ! Naturally Hattenheim ! The 
good Hattenheim cannot complain of step-motherly treat- 
ment from you, by heavens ! You permit him to shine at 
your side on all occasions. He is indispensable. Why have 
you never granted me, who have known you as long, and in 
my opinion even better than Reimar, this privilege ? ” 

“ One must be prudent. Count Lehrbach. There are 
people who have such exquisite taste that they can place a 
little country flower in the most painful embarrassment. 
You, who are accustomed to pay homage to the queen rose, 
cannot possibly miss a little roadside blossom from Gross- 
Stauffen.” 

He laughed almost angrily. “A strange blossom which 


i 82 


The Wild Rose. 


has so many sharp thorns ! said he. And for some time 
they walked on in silence through the dark night. 

“ What dance will you keep for me to-morrow evening at 
the English ambassador’s ?” 

The moon broke through the clouds and lit up her mock- 
ing, smiling face. 

‘‘The polka before the cotillon.” 

His sabre clanks harshly on the ground, and his first is 
tightly clenched. 

“ And why this dance in particular ? ” he asks, between 
his teeth. 

“ Because, unfortunately, fate prevented us from dancing 
it at the court ball, and because at that time you so regret- 
ted it.” 

Her tone had not the slightest sharpness. 

Lehrbach made no reply, but suddenly rushed along 
madly. As the young girl calmly preserved her former 
pace he slackened his steps. 

“ Give me the cotillon,” he begged, softly. 

She lowered her head. “ I am sorry. Count, but this 

dance belongs for the rest of the season to Mr. von Hat- 

tenheim.” 

Again he laughed, roughly and harshly ; came close to 
her side, and bent down to her ear. 

“Since day before yesterday — since the concert when 
friend Reimar sat so long at your side, near the fountain, 
and whispered so eagerly, society says it is a fait accompli^ 
that you two are betrothed. To learn the truth of this 

from you, I have w^aited two good hours in the cold and 

storm before the door of the pavilion, and would have waited 
until the next day if the Duchess had kept you as her guest 
to-night. Miss Josephine ” — he seized her hand and pressed 
it almost painfully — “ is it true that Reimar has ventured to 


The Wild Rose, 



wish to make you his own ? Have you given him your con- 
sent ? Is it possible that you — you, Josephine, are engaged 
to this man ? ” 

Hastily, proudly and angrily she drew away her hand. 

What right have you to ask me such a question ? What 
right to interfere with my affairs ? ” 

With head erect, unapproachable as a queen, she stood 
before him. The silver moonlight irradiated the charming 
face. Over her golden hair the black lace scarf was tossed 
by the wind. 

‘‘What right He set his teeth. “I thought that a 
friend might be considered to have this right.” 

“ What you think is of absolutely no moment to me.” 
Josephine hastily walked on to the crowded Bellevue. 
“ And I hope to follow my own inclinations without giving 
an account of them. The idea of friendship is a very broad 
one, and, with me, not in the least identical with that of a 
confidential adviser. Were I to consider you the latter I 
should, perhaps, have confided in you without your dicta- 
torial demand. That I have not done so best designates to 
you the position which you occupy for me.” 

He stood at her side, rigid as a statue ; the lanterns of 
Villa Carolina flamed above his head. 

“ This answer is not to be misunderstood,” said he, in a 
low voice. “ And what is most tormenting for me is, that I 
have deserved it. Good-night, Miss von Wetter; pardon 
my thoughtless words, if you still count me among those 
whom you honor with a friendly thought.” 

He bowed very formally, the wind blew the military cloak 
from his shoulder, a ray of light fell upon his pale face, then 
he vanished with firm step into the darkness of the night. 

But upstairs, in her quiet little room, Josephine lay on her 
knees, and hot tears fell over her clasped hands. 



XVII. 

Hattenheim sat in his room, his head resting on his 
hand, a short pipe between his teeth, and read. 

The high porcelain stove gave out a comfortable warmth, 
the light of the lamp was softened by a green shade, and on 
a small carved table near him a tea-kettle hummed over an 
alcohol lamp in preparation for a true Prussian night- 
cap.” Hattenheim was, in his comrades’ opinion, a true 
home body. 

The wind howled around the windows, the street outside 
was almost deserted ; only a single hasty step was heard 
upon the stone pavement. The house door was burst open, 
and almost immediately mercilessly slammed ; then Hat- 
tenheim’s door opened, and in the next moment the step 
crossed the door-sill. 

Reimar raised his head, somewhat astonished. 

Ah, it is you, Gunther ! How are you ?” 

He pushed back his hair, went to meet his friend, and 
offered him his hand in greeting. 

The young officer stood opposite him silent and pale, his 
arms wrapped in his cloak, his eyes fixed gloomily upon his 
friend. 

Good-evening,” said he, shortly and frostily. I come 
at a somewhat late hour, but I hope that you have time for 
me.” 

He threw off his mantle, walked past Hattenheim, and 
sank into an arm-chair. Again he gazed penetratingly at 
his comrade. 


The Wild Rose. 



^^You know that I always have time for you, and until 
now have always received you at any hour,” replied Reimar, 
calmly and pleasantly. How can I serve you now, what 
brings you to me ? ” 

Gunther laughed strangely, a dark flush burned on his 
cheeks. 

I wish to congratulate you, old fellow ! Wish you hap- 
piness, you lucky one ! Ha-ha-ha ! You have exchanged 
roles with me, and I am the first to come to grief because 
of it.” 

He struck his fist excitedly upon the table, the diamond 
on his finger threw out flashes of color and shone at Hat- 
tenheim like a kobold’s eye. 

Congratulate me ? Indeed ? ” The blond man with 
the awkward figure and square forehead calmly seated 
himself, closed his book, and looked his friend straight in 
the eyes. 

“ So you accept my congratulations ? ” 

The young count’s lips twitched. 

Certainly, but only when I give you an official right to 
offer them. At present, I know of no good fortune which 
I can communicate to you.” Reimar’s voice sounded very 
calm ; he leaned back in his chair, and folded his arms. 

That coincides exactly ! ” said Gunther, with a sharp 
laugh. ^‘You understand excellently how to keep interest- 
ing secrets, and are not ashamed to exclude even me from 
your confidence ! Perhaps you have a reason for it, and 
think of the hero Tristan, who rewarded his friend’s confi- 
dence with falseness. ” There was a fearful excitement 
audible in Gunther’s voice, his fingers drummed nervously 
upon the table. 

Reimar’s merry face did not move a muscle ; calmly he 
opened his cigarette case, pushed it across the table to Giin- 


i86 


The Wild Rose, 


ther, and said : Light the pipe of peace, a7Jiico, and then 

tell me frankly and plainly what you really wish. At present 
you seem in a somewhat stormy mood, and I do not under- 
stand figurative language, as you know.” 

Count Lehrbach pushed the cigarettes away almost vio- 
lently, his lips curled scornfully. 

“ Still more plainly ? I have just accompanied Miss von 
Wetter to her home, and found with her better understand- 
ing of my congratulatory wishes, which you refuse in a 
manner scarcely complimentary to the young lady.” 

‘‘The devil! Josephine has!” It came like a cry of 
alarm from Reimar’s lips ; his face flushed deeply, but 
then he quickly collected himself, and continued calmly : 
“Yes, she likes me very much ; she speaks a great deal of 
me. She always calls it good fortune that we met each 
other. I firmly intend to marry her. I have already ob- 
tained your consent.” 

“And when, friend Reimar, if I may ask?” Gunther 
drew himself up with flaming eyes ; his voice was loud and 
threatening, all the violence of his character was displayed. 

“ Why, on that evening when you objected to dancing at 
court with Miss von Wetter, when you did not wish to be 
exposed to ridicule with the little Mont Blanc, and cried 
out to me in the gallery, over your champagne glass • ‘ Take 
her ; she is thine ! ’ I think one cannot desire a clearer 
consent.” 

“ In the gallery ! ” Gunther’s teeth set in his lower lip. 
“ And you wish now to give that jest a serious meaning ? 
That is excellently suited to your plans, and is a fine move, 
which honors your diplomatic talent. I certainly had no 
objection to your paying court to her at that time, but not 
a syllable was spoken of marriage.” 

Hattenheim likevv^ise had risen, and stood opposite the 


The Wild Rose, 


187 


young count, drawn up to his full height. And have I 
to give an account to you of what I wish to do or leave un- 
done ” asked he. If your earnest promise, your hand- 
clasp on that evening, when vanity and arrogance made a 
tool of you, are not binding, then I do not consider myself 
pledged by a childish jest to ask your consent to my 
choice.” 

You have acted in a very underhand manner. You 

knew that Josephine loved me, and yet ” 

Loved you ? Did she really love you on that evening 
after you asked her for the polka before the cotillon ? ” 
‘‘Ah, the polka before the cotillon ! ” cried Gunther, with 
a shrill, mocking laugh. “ So it is from you that Josephine 
learned the unhappy previous history of that dance ! And 
you, you still assert that you have fought with honorable 
weapons ! Love does indeed cease when good friends are 
at hand ready to deny this love, and blacken her ideal ; 
confidence and belief assuredly are lost when the poison 
of falsehood is poured upon them. And this from you — 
from you, Reimar, by whose fidelity I swore ! ” 

The young man's voice trembled with uncontrollable de- 
spairing passion ; he stood opposite Hattenheim with spark- 
ling eyes and clenched fists. 

Reimar’s face was pale and rigid, his broad chest heaved, 
but he spoke calmly and firmly, although an almost threat- 
ening manner made him appear even taller. 

“You are excited. Gunther, you are my friend, and 
therefore I will hear and answer your words in this sense. 
That you should consider me capable of falseness, I can 
unfortunately not forbid, even if the thought cuts me to 
the heart, but I can and do forbid you to accuse me of it, 
and I do so with all the energy and proud dignity of a man 
of honor. A comrade should only answer to me for that 


llie Wild Rose. 


1 88 


with the sword, but a friend I may first reply to and con- 
tradict his assertion. Not in excuse, but as answer to vour 
attack, I assure you that your conversation with Brocks- 
dorff, and the scarcely chivalrous comedy which you 
played in regard to the polka before the cotillon, was en- 
tirely unknown to me until I heard it from Miss von 
Wetter’s lips. For the first time in your life, child of for- 
tune, you were unlucky, when you planned the little in- 
trigue just behind the portiere, on the other side of which 
Josephine stood shyly hidden, and ignored by the world. 
What she heard vv^ith her own ears, unfortunately, cannot 
be denied or explained by the most fluent friend ! 

Gunther almost fell back. ‘‘ She herself — behind the 
portiere — merciful heavens, what a fearful accident ! Rei- 
mar, be compassionate, tell me that you are merely re- 
venging yourself on me ! ” Pale as death the young count 
stared into his friend’s eyes ; his brow w^as moist, and he 
clutched the arm of a chair to support himself. 

Hattenheim shook his head gloomily. Would to God 
that I might say so ! That I could spare you the twinges of 
conscience, and undo for that poor girl the bitter hours 
of misery and terrible disappointment which your flippant 
words caused her. Then rough realism tore the veil of 
idealism into fragments, then the dream was over, the 
dream which poets call first love.” 

Gunther sank into the chair, and covered his face with 
both hands. 

Hush, Reimar, let the past rest, it is over, all — and this 
consciousness is punishment enough for me.” 

Josephine is not angry with you,” said Hattenheim 
gently. 

A bitter laugh answered him. No ! I am too indiffer- 
ent to her even for that ! O Reimar, if she only would 


The Wild Rose. 


189 


hate me ! Anger and hatred can be conquered by love, as 
ice melts before heat ; but this indifference is a smiling 
grave, which engulfs fire and ice alike.” 

' ‘‘Thank God for that ! Thank God that Josephine has 
overcome a love which you never have, and never would 
have returned.” 

“ Never will return ? ” There was an indescribable ex- 
pression in the words which Gunther whispered softly, as if 
in a dream. He raised his dark, sparkling eyes, still full 
of the violent defiance which characterized the young man, 
to Reimar. “ Can you look into my heart ? Do you know 
what I feel ? Fate has strange ways of finding her destiny. 
What do you care in your happiness for others’ misery ? 
Your sun comes late, but so much the more radiantly. May 
God keep it cloudless for you ! Farewell, Reimar, do me a 
kindness, and never mention this evening in our future 
intercourse ; it would cast a shadow over our friendship. 
Enjoy the harvest which you have so wisely and honestly 
craved, and do not lay up against me what I said before in 
my violence.” There was an expression of forced resigna- 
tion upon the young officer’s handsome countenance, a de- 
fiant acceptance of the unavoidable, which was mingled 
with much bitterness. But still there was a tone in his 
voice, controlled with such difficulty, that went to Reimar’s 
heart. He slowly went up to Lehrbach, laid his hand on 
his shoulder, and looked him in the eyes. 

“ Gunther,” said he softly, “ your violence forced me 
to an indiscretion which it would be hard for Josephine to 
forgive me, should she learn of it. She wished that you 
should never learn how your faithless words wounded her. 
I beg you therefore to let no change come into your inter- 
course. Besides that, duty compels me to tell you that no 
binding words have been exchanged between Miss von 


190 


The Wild Rose. 


Wetter and myself. I will willingly tolerate you at my 
side as rival, and will not envy you your happiness should 
you succeed in winning the little wild rose.” 

Count Lehrbach shook his head almost violently, and* 
pressed his friend’s outstretched right hand convulsively. 

Do not heap coals of fire upon my head, Reimar ; do 
not prove to me anew how unworthy I am of your friend- 
ship. Josephine must be happy, and you deserve her, you 
brave fellow ! Her love belongs to you, and what I care- 
lessly trifled away, I can never win again. The wound 
which faithlessness inflicts in a maiden’s heart never again 
heals.” 

Yours is a fortunate, gifted nature, Gunther. You will 
soon forget Gooseherd Liesel, and find other blossoms to 
replace her.” Reimar’s blue eyes rested in anxious ques- 
tion upon Gunther’s face, which looked pale and grave, 
and suddenly seemed many years older. 

“ Do you think so ? The future will show. It would be 
strange if all my carelessness were untrue to me ; there are 
so many other women, even with princely crowns upon 
their brows. Good-night, Reinz, only fools cherish whims, 
and I am surely no fool. Good-night ! ” 

The door turned on its hinges and closed again. Reimar 
stood outside in the hall with a lamp, and opened the house 
door ; the wind blew in with a cold blast, and made the 
flame flicker ; once more good-night,” one more hand- 
shake, and, with clanking spurs, Gunther went down the 
stone steps. 

He had come quickly with light feet, taking two steps at 
a time. When he went away, his step was slow and heavy, 
like that of an old man. Hattenheim returned to his room, 
sank down in a chair with a heavy sigh, and thoughtfully 
rested his head in his hand. 


The Wild Rose. 


191 


Care and grief furrowed his brow. He had never before 
loved Gunther as much as on this evening, when for the 
first time in life he had caused him pain. He sympathized 
doubly with him ; he perhaps suffered more than the young 
hot-head who, up to this moment, had shaken off all 
trouble as flowers shake off rain. Will he as quickly for- 
get this hour, this hour in which he has lost Josephine for- 
ever ? ” 

Hattenheim sighed anxiously, and clenched his hand in 
his heavy blond hair. Not that, not that, or else all 
struggles have been in vain, merely for her sake, who 
deserves to be happy.” 

For a long time he sat there motionless, staring before 
him. His work must succeed. The peace and happiness of 
three beings is at stake. He relies so firmly upon Gunther. 
He knows him better than any one else does. Gunther 
loves ; he will, he can and must not forget this love. Gun- 
ther’s is a hot, defiant nature ; an obstacle will merely excite, 
but never discourage him. Had he not seen the effect of 
his words ? was there not a startling confirmation of this 
opinion in the pale, twitching face of the child of fortune ? 

Reimar had cut him to the heart. He saw how his 
words had pained him. How terrible he had been, he, 
the mild, faithful Hattenheim, who could not bear to see a 
fly suffer ! But Heaven knows why he had done so, and 
how hard it had been for him. Bitter medicine heals 

quickest and best,” was the saying in his old home, and 
that was a consolation. 

Thus thought Reimar, and with this thought his peace 
and happiness returned. 




XVIII. 

Two weeks had passed since the court concert. One 
entertainment had followed close upon another. Especially 
at court, dinners and balls had been of frequent occurrence, 
for it was necessary that Crown Prince Karl Theodor should 
be amused. 

Baron Clodwig had been prominent as leader at most of 
these dances, as Count Lehrbach unfortunately was confined 
to his room by a severe cold. Except Hattenheim, no 
visitors were admitted. At first, Princess Sylvie seemed 
not to miss the young officer in the slightest, she scarcely 
asked after him. But when, after tvvelve days. Count 
Lehrbach again appeared at a dinner, she could scarcely 
distinguish him ostentatiously enough, especially in sight of 
the crown prince, who witnessed her Highness’s coquetries 
with truly stoical calm. 

He rode with the princess on one of her little path- 
finders,” and then departed very suddenly. It was reported 
that a despatch had summoned him home upon an important 
matter. Sylvie was somewhat forcedly gay, and reminded 
Count GUnther, by a note from her companion, of the 
promised photograph of himself in fancy costume, with the 
remark that a very handsome frame was in readiness for it 
upon her writing-desk. 

For whose picture the frame with the golden crown had 
really been destined only Use suspected, as she had been 
present when Karl Theodor’s portrait had been tried in it. 



The Wild Rose. 


193 


The court society had expected a betrothal in the palace ; 
so much the more, as reports of the crown prince’s matri- 
monial intentions had appeared in the newspapers. In con- 
sequence, great disappointment was felt, and all sorts of 
rumors circulated. 

It was a pity that her little Highness was so wild. That 
had decidedly cost her this match. And instead of taking 
the matter to heart she seemed now to give rein to all her 
eccentric passions. She had honored the last court hunt 
with her presence in a very practical costume, which would 
certainly have been as becoming to a squire as to herself. 

Villa Carolina was brilliantly illuminated. Court Marshal 
Count Lattdorf closed a brilliant succession of dinners and 
suppers with the ball which he gave each year. 

Ange was a charming hostess, and did the honors with 
remarkable ease and grace, at her mother’s side. She ap- 
peared everywhere at the right time, looked after the young 
ladies’ dance cards, and the elderly people’s entertainment ; 
cleverly separated discordant elements, and set the shyest 
guests at their ease. But this evening she was strikingly 
absent-minded, and seemed to perform these duties mechan- 
ically. Only once had her cheeks flushed, when Prince 
Detleff spoke to her of Baron d’Ouchy. 

He had gone to Brittany a week before, as a telegram had 
notified him of the death of an uncle. He had sprung into 
the railway carriage with smiling face, and had thrown out 
hints of an expected large inheritance. It was to be hoped 
that this would prove true, for he had lacked nothing but 
wealth and a wife. Now, probably, one would bring the 
other. 

And with this remark Prince Detleff raised his eye-glass, 
and watched the cold beauty with unrestrained interest. 
Unfortunately, at that moment tea was presented, and Ange 

13 


194 


The Wild Rose. 


bent her head deeply over the salver. When she looked 
up, and formally wished the young diplomat good fortune, 
her expression was as cool and unchanged as ever, only the 
cup rattled strangely in her hand. 

As yet, Gunther and Josephine had not exchanged a single 
word, but had merely greeted each other with a silent bow, 
a fact which excited no comment, as the young count was 
strangely reserved and taciturn since his illness. They said 
he had suffered from a nervous fever brought on by a severe 
cold. It was plainly to be seen that he was not yet fully 
restored to health. He was pale, his eyes slightly sunken, 
and more brilliant than ever, which became him excellently, 
and made him more interesting than usual. 

Princess Sylvie monopolized him. She was so consider- 
ate that she wished to take but one turn around the room 
with the poor invalid.” But Count Lehrbach assured 
her, with a slight flickering blush, that such treatment would 
harm him more than the maddest, most continuous galop. 
He was no longer a patient. If any part of him were ailing 
it was his heart, and dancing would be an anaesthetic for 
that. 

He had said it in quite a low voice, and his eyes wander- 
ing around the room had grown gloomy as they rested upon 
Josephine’s smiling face. 

But, with a deep breath, Sylvie said decidedly : Well, 

come, then ! ” took two turns around the room, and then 
whispered to Lehrbach : Now a pause ; I am anxious 

about you.” 

Gunther bowed silently and deeply. He thought of how 
these words and this glance would have charmed him a few 
weeks ago. At that time she had given him only a bit of 
laurel. To-day he scarcely heard her meaning words. 

Hattenheim danced but little this evening. In spite of 


The Wild Rose, 


195 


the opened windows the air was oppressively warm in the 
ballroom, and in his excited mood this was unbearable to 
him. 

He saw that Gunther was completely monopolized by her 
Highness, and that Josephine was so surrounded that a 
decisive interview between the two was not to be feared. 
So he thoughtfully strolled through the different rooms in 
which card tables were placed, and where elderly ladies 
were chatting and passing their time with dainties of the 
eatable as well as audible kind. He hoped to find a cooler 
spot. 

At the end of the long suite of rooms lay Countess 
Ange’s little cosey boudoir, with its dainty pink satin furni- 
ture and hangings, its flowers, statuettes, books and writing 
materials. He crossed the room to the writing-desk. A 
book lay upon it, and a mark rested between its pages. 

Reimar opened it and read : 

I gaze into the depths of his soul, and tremble before such 
abysses. 1 believe this man capable of the wildest deed ; he 
has no God, no conscience, only an unrestrained passion 
which governs him. Yet he exercises a demoniacal power 
over hearts, even over mine. I struggle in desperate con- 
flict with myself. I see the abyss before me, and fear that 
dizziness will precipitate me into it. Oh, that he might 
never again play before me ! These tones are my ruin. If 
Reimar is near, I feel protected ; from his eyes shine sweet 
peace, and confidence comes to me. No man is so fully my 
ideal of uprightness as he.’' 

Almost horrified, Hattenheim let the book fall, and 
looked around in alarm, like one who is discovered on for- 
bidden ground. A deep flush rose to his face, and made 
him appear terribly embarrassed. 

This was his cousin Ange’s diary ! It was impossible to 


196 


The Wild Rose, 


doubt it ; it was her writing, and her golden monogram upon 
the cover. Heavens, how terribly indiscreet he had been ! 

He stood as if spellbound, and gazed down at the book, 
which now lay in its old place again, and looked as harm- 
less as any other volume. 

He felt indescribably happy. How pleasant it was to 
read such words about one’s self, to have such judgment 
pronounced upon one ! ^‘Uprightness ! O dear, good Ange, 
I could kiss your hands in thankfulness. Uprightness ! 
Yes, that was what I always strove and wished for since I 
learned the meaning of this word. Upright ! am I really 1 
Ange says so ; then it must be true.” 

Then it flashed through his mind, who can the other be ? 
He had read too hastily, but not for the world would he 
open it again. Had he known that this was a diary he 
would not have touched it vvith his finger tips. But how- 
ever much he pondered, he could thii>k of no one in the 
city who could be as evil as Ange described him. 

How warm he had suddenly become ! His face burned 
like fire. He turned hastily away, opened the door upon 
the balcony, and stepped out into the night. Only a few 
stars peeped out from the heavy rain-clouds. Reimar stood 
close to the portieres. 

He heard hasty steps in the boudoir behind him, the 
rustle of a silken train, and Sylvie’s voice crying: “Thank 
God, at last an empty cage ! In those rooms one is almost 
driven crazy with the heat and noise ! Let us have a chat 
here, Fortunatus, it has been a long enough time since we 
could talk undisturbed together.” 

Then a chair was drawn over the floor, and the princess 
seated herself. 

Hattenheim felt his heart beat quickly, an unspeakable 
anxiety took possession of him. In that room a Damocles 


The Wild Rose, 


197 


sword hung over Josephine’s happiness, over the peace of 
his own soul, over the difficult web which he had woven for 
his friend’s sake of so many tears and anxious hours. 

Was it right of him to stay here ? In the sense of a 
listener ? no ! In the sense of a friend resolved upon 
extremities ? yes ! 

With defiant resolution, Reimar folded his arms and 
remained motionless. He could hear every word, and 
through the crack between the portieres, he saw Sylvie lying 
back in a chair, looking up at Lehrbach, who was leaning 
against the back of a chair opposite her. 

‘‘Your Highness was so much occupied with the visit of 
his Highness Prince Karl,” said he, in a low voice, “ and 
in the busy hum of life in a capital the voice of confidential 
conversation is hushed by the profane market cry of public 
opinion.” 

The princess shook her head. 

“ That is a form of speech which is out of date. I have 
learned by experience that the voice of the heart never 
speaks more loudly than in the tumult of the great world, 
which forms a hateful wall of separation between two souls. 
Then, longing demands more and more her right, and an old 
song truly says, ‘ Wenn zwei sick mir gut sind dann fijid 
sick der Weg ! ’ When, therefore, the voice of confidential 
conversation is hushed in these tolerant times, it is its own 
fault.” 

“ Pardon, your Highness, the ‘ old song ’ is not written 
for our circumstances,” replied Count Gunther, drawing 
himself up, and his handsome face wore a strange expres- 
sion. “‘No moat is too broad, and no wall is too high,’ 
unfortunately refers merely to barriers for which a ladder 
or a bridge can actually be found. But I know of a barrier 
which can neither be bridged, nor can a ladder be built for 


198 


The Wild Rose, 


it, however firm the will and ardent the love and longing. 
Of what use is an occasional whisper and chat ? It only 
shows doubly clear how far apart one is from another.” 
There was a harsh tone in Gunther’s voice, his glance 
coolly and fixedly met the princess’s eyes, which gazed up at 
him tenderly and softly as never before. Her round arm 
hung over the arm of the chair, the ruby eyes of her golden 
serpent bracelet shone in challenge at Gunther. 

‘‘You are mistaken, count,” said she, throwing her head 
even further back. “ For the brave there are no obstacles 
in the world. And a man who bears the nickname Fortu- 
natus, should trust his luck. He aspires, and she bends 
down to him. That is the magical ladder which Love herself 
places against the precipice.” 

Sylvie’s manner was wholly altered. It had all the be- 
witching tenderness which characterized her singing. Giin- 
ther’s face did not change. One might almost say it was 
irony that flashed from his dark eyes. 

“And yet it would be presumptuous to ascend it,” replied 
he, almost roughly. 

Sylvie breathed more quickly. Fler words betokened 
increasing impatience. 

“ Karl Theodor has left, and differently from what he 
expected,” she whispered, with a bewitching glance ; drew 
herself up, and bent nearer towards him. “ A proof that a 
heart weighs more than a prince’s crown. You have not 
said a word to me about it. Lehrbach, is it then so wholly 
indifferent to you where my lot falls ? ” 

“ I wish you happiness in all its unclouded perfection, 
princess,” he replied, stiffly and formally, “and hope that 
life will bring you as many roses as I hope to win laicrels. 
May the flowers’ thorns be spared you in a happy future — 
the thorns which inflict such mortal wounds in a faithful 


The Wild Rose, 


199 


heart, and may your future be so happy that you will never 
long for the past ! ” 

Her Highness’s forehead wore a frown, then she laughed 
softly, bent her head on one side roguishly, and laid her 
hand confidentially on his arm. 

“ Defiant one, you ! Are you still angry ? ” 

“ How dare I think of such a thing, your Highness } ” 

His voice expressed impatience. 

Sylvie pressed her lace handkerchief to her temples for a 
moment. It exhaled an intoxicating perfume. The little 
crown embroidered above the initials was plainly visible. 

You dare not, but you do,” whispered she. You men 
become tyrants so soon as you are conscious of your power. 
You make a hostage of every flower we give you, and by 
your distrustful treatment of our tokens of favor, scatter 
the petals from the rose until nothing but the thorns re- 
mains.” 

She quickly raised her hand, broke a half-opened rose 
from the flower stand at her side, and handed it to the 
young officer. Her expression, her smile, her words, left 
no doubt as to what right she gave him with this flower, to 
what she thus challenged him ‘‘sub rosa.” 

“ And what do you say to m.e novv, you bad, all-powerful 
man ? ” she v/hispered. 

Hattenheim’s heart stood still, he pressed his forehead 
against the cold glass of the opened door, his hands were 
clasped as if in prayer. 

Gunther took the rose and kissed the lofty giver’s hand. 
His lips curled in a defiant, mocking expression. Then he 
drew back, and looked at her triumphantly as one who 
says : “ You owed me this, O Fate ! ” 

“I say to you, your Highness, that I regret that this rare 
flower is not in more worthy hands. 


200 


The Wild Rose, 


Sylvie started up. “ If these seem worthy to me, this 
regret is surely done away with.” 

Gunther smiled. This rose justifies its recipient in 
considering himself the most fortunate of mortals,” said he, 
with slightly quivering nostrils, and invites him to place 
the most glorious cup of life to his lips. In this calyx is 
written ‘ Live ! Be supremely happy ! Attain the highest 
summit which the foot of mortal has ever trod ! The world 
is open before you, and at its golden door stands love with 
smiling lips, and waves you an enchanting welcome ! ’ 

How happy this rose must make a man who can rejoice 
with all his heart and soul in such a future ! Should I, 
however, adorn my breast with this flower, it would be to 
place it upon a grave in which all hope and joy of life are 
buried forever. Whoever has finished with love as I have, 
your Highness, has no desire to decorate himself with roses. 
The laurel which you gave me at that time in the v/inter 
garden, has become a symbol ; between that bitter plant 
the delicate roses must wither, no gay color is suited to 
it. Formerly I laughed when people spoke of hermits, 
but now I myself pursue a solitary path, without cowl 
and rosary, your Highness, but also without a second 
heart.” 

Lehrbach ! ” almost screamed Sylvie, and seized his arm 
in unbounded excitement. ‘‘You are speaking in delirium ! 
Come to yourself ! ” Her eyes shone, she stood before him 
like the personification of Penthesilea. 

“ Yes, your Highness, have consideration for an inva- 
lid ! ” he said, smiling sarcastically. “ You surely know 
that the caprices of a Count Lehrbach are unaccountable.” 
Sylvie laughed cuttingly, a convulsive laugh, which shook 
her. “There you are right. By heavens, you know how to 
surprise people ! Why do you not engage yourself to a 


The Wild Rose. 


201 


theatre ? I promise you magnificent success, for such a 
comedy as you play before us is not often seen.” 

With a wild snatch she tore the rose from his hand, and 
trod it under foot, her face was white to her lips. A 
knight who does not honor his order, does not deserve to 
wear it ! ” she hissed, with a glance full of hatred. ‘‘ And 
people who do not know how to honor a rose, must not 
be surprised if in future they feel the thorns ! ” 

She measured him from head to foot, an unspeakable 
mixture of scorn and trembling rage spoke from her eyes, 
then she abruptly turned her back to him and rustled 
through the door. 

At first Hattenheim had raised his hands to heaven in 
silent, nameless joy. Then he almost grew dizzy, it seemed 
to him that he must rush in and warn the rash man of the 
fearful consequences of his act. But in a moment he saw 
the princess’s shining gown vanish through the door, saw 
Gunther Lehrbach, erect, proud and triumphant, gazing 
down at the crushed flower. He parted the portieres, en- 
tered the room, and going up to him, laid his hand on his 
shoulder. 

Gunther, unfortunate man, what now?” he asked, in a 
faltering voice. 

Then the young officer looked at him, laughed piercingly 
and clasped his friend’s hand. 

Now we will feel the thorns, old fellow,” cried he, ex- 
citedly, with sparkling eyes, and a proud toss of his hand- 
some head. Fair weather is past, now the boat of the 
child of fortune tosses on the open sea, and hears the storm 
howling through the sails. It is a strange sound, Reimar, 
good luck to it ! Now 1 will see how strong my arm is.” 



XIX. 

The dinner hour in Villa Carolina was long past, and 
still the family, assembled in the dining-room, waited for 
the court marshal, whom some unexpected occurrence must 
detain unusually long. 

The most remarkable things were suggested to pass the 
time, mostly of a very lively and amusing nature, for the 
countess, as well as Ange, was far too accustomed to such 
unpunctuality in the count, to worry over it, or dread a 
misfortune. 

But when the count arrived, a single glance at his grave, 
troubled face, was sufficient to prove that this time his delay 
was not due to the arrangements and plans for a new court 
entertainment. His brow was clouded with anxiety. 

Has anything unpleasant happened, dear George ? ” 
asked the countess in French. The butler was serving 
dinner, and he also gazed with anxious interest at his 
master’s changed appearance. 

The court marshal smiled, and shook his head consol- 
ingly. “ Fortunately not to me, chlrie^ but to another. 
We will speak of it later.” 

Dinner was eaten silently. They were all oppressed; un- 
certainty was perhaps more exciting and tormenting than 
the news itself. 

Coffee was usually taken in the countess’s sitting-room 
adjoining the dining-room, and to-day also they adjourned 
there. Josephine and Ange were about to seek the boudoir, 


The Wild Rose. 


203 


but the marshal beckoned to them, in his chivalrous way, to 
follow. 

The young ladies certainly will also be interested in 
what has alarmed the whole city,” said he, “and the affair 
in itself assures me that no indiscreet use will be made of 
the knowledge.” 

And the count related that the whole cabinet was in a 
state of the greatest excitement on account of a forgery. 

The fatal affair compromised principally the minister. 
Count Lehrbach, as his signature unfortunately had been 
forged. The amount of money involved was considerable. 
Matters seemed about to become a public scandal, and were 
exciting much comment. As explanation of the whole affair. 
Count Lattdorf related as follows : 

“ The resident ducal family inherited a considerable 

estate in the H kingdom. Far distant from their own 

territory, this acquisition seemed more a burden and incon- 
venience than an advantage, and the late duke gladly ac- 
ceded to the proposition of the king of H to sell the 

estate to him. 

“ The sum paid to the duke ran up into millions, and a 
Berlin banking-house was commissioned to pay the money 
in instalments. Payments and receipts passed through 
Minister Lehrbach’s hands. 

“ The sudden death of the duke, and the accession of 
his son, Franz Eginhard, caused no change in the course of 
state and private affairs. On the contrary, the unusual 
liking of the young ruler for his minister, in whom he found 
a faithful servant and a devoted friend, gave his Excellency 
unbounded power in everything, and the matter of payments 
was left entirely to him, which task he superintended with 
the greatest care and exactness. 

“ During the early part of the winter, the cabinet was so 


204 


The Wild Rose, 


overwhelmed with work, that Count Lehrbach would have 
needed double strength to have kept the different affairs 
wholly in his hands. He could devote himself exclusively 
merely to the most urgent and important, while everything 
which could be postponed, was left in the background. 
Baron d’ Ouchy, the intelligent, careful, and extremely 
capable young attache, had already been assigned to the 
minister’s cabinet, until Count Lehrbach, three weeks ago, 
was able to send him back to his former duties, with the 
most flattering acknowledgments. Now, when the most 
urgent affairs were disposed of, Count Lehrbach devoted 
himself to those matters which had been somewhat neg- 
lected, and wished, before everything else, to attend to the 
Berlin payments yet due, and which amounted to nearly 
two hundred thousand dollars. 

The minister wrote to the banking-house, and asked for 
the payment. An evasive answer informed him that the 
stated sum had been sent in the course of January — giving 
the date — to the cabinet, and receipted by his Excellency. 
His demand certainly was a mistake. 

The minister’s amazement was great, especially as no 
notice of the receipt of the money could be found. De- 
spatches flew hither and thither. This morning, the two 
principals of the firm arrived to present the receipt. 

The excitement had reached the highest pitch. Count 
Lehrbach, pale and rigid, stared at his signature, which was so 
strikingly like, so terribly plain and clear, and which never- 
theless must have been forged. He went immediately to the 
duke, asked for an investigation, and begged, under the over- 
powering circumstances, an instant dismissal from his post. 

“Franz Eginhard was painfully excited. He wished to 
suppress the whole affair. But with iron firmness. Count 
Lehrbach insisted upon a legal investigation. 


The Wild Rose. 


205 


‘‘ The universal opinion was that an incredibly bold crime 
had been committed. But Count Lehrbach had occasion to 
remark how strikingly cool and reserved the gentlemen were 
with him, who, a few days before, would have trembled at 
his frown. The acts were sealed, the judges already select- 
ed, and the decision of the scientists that the signature was 
forged was confidently expected. An indescribable excite- 
ment and surprise prevailed in all circles of society. Whis- 
pers and malicious smiles and shrugs were exchanged. They 
were so sorry for the poor minister ; he had done so much 
for the country ; had made himself so necessary to society. 
His entertainments were .incomparable, and had been this 
winter so magnificent, almost princely. And Lieutenant 
Gunther had been unlucky at cards, and had lost a very 
expensive horse during the autumn races, but nevertheless 
had continued living in a most extravagant way. What 
immense sums of money all that must have cost ! And now 
this forged signature ! It was highly exciting. 

“ Duke Franz Eginhard personally called at his favorite’s 
house and inquired whether a verdict had been obtained. 
Investigations among the secretaries and copyists had been 
futile. Further inquiries of the postal officials were being 
made. The minister went about like a moving corpse. He 
locked himself into his private office, and saw no one except 
his two highest subordinates, not even his son. Count Giin- 
ther. The latter has been twice to the cabinet, remarkably 
self-controlled, and full of proud confidence that the unfort- 
unate affair will very soon be explained.” 

That was all the marshal could tell them of the matter. 

Josephine had listened to his words, pale as a corpse. 
Her lips quivered, and her little hand clenched convulsively 
over the fine handkerchief in her lap. 

‘‘ Who can have committed such a shameful deed ?” came 


2o6 


The Wild Rose. 


like^a sob from her throat. The poor old man ! how fear- 
fully he must suffer under the burden of such a suspicion ! ” 

Countess Lattdorf was also painfully affected by the mis- 
fortune which had burst upon the happy family. 

Lehrbach will never survive it ! ” she sighed. That 
is a nail in his coffin.” 

Only Ange sat motionless, as if carved out of stone. Her 
unnaturally large eyes stared into vacancy. Then she sud- 
denly started up. 

‘‘ Is Baron d’Ouchy back ?” she asked shortly. 

They have telegraphed him,” said Count Lattdorf, and 
place great hopes in his excellent memory. He was working 
under Lehrbach at that time, and it is to be hoped that he 
can give information as to who of the subordinates were 
busy in the office upon those days, and had the minister’s 
signature in their hands. One suspicious fact is that a 
copyist, although, to be sure, of another division, very sud- 
denly resigned. I believe he has already been arrested.” 

The young countess’s face wore an indescribable expres- 
sion. She rose and filled her father’s cup, then left the 
room under the pretext of fetching her embroidery. 

Josephine also absented herself. Traitorous tears rushed 
to her eyes. She hurried to her room, and clasped her 
hands in prayer. A nameless dread overcame her. Her 
heart was filled with compassion and anxiety for the poor 
old man. 

After a while Ange entered the room. Her delicate face 
wore a look of almost happy calm, but her eyes were red. 

I have written to Reimar, and begged him to give us 
full information in case anything is explained,” said she. 

Josephine threw her arms round her neck. If it only is 
soon ! ” sobbed she, “ or else the excitement will kill the 
poor count. Only recently he complained that he felt so ill.” 


The Wild Rose, 


207 


“ May God be merciful to us all ! " 

Ange’s voice expressed more than mere anxiety for Lehr- 
bach’s fate. 

It was a dull, gray winter day. A pale light fell through 
the high, almost uncurtained windows of the ducal cabinet. 
Marble statues stared like ghosts from the dark niches and 
corners, but the gold index hand of the pendulum pointed 
merely to the hour of noon. 

There was a whispering and buzzing in the ante-room, 
and men crept about softly. The duke’s adjutant, two 
chamberlains and a privy councillor stood in a window 
recess, with heads very close together, and gesticulated 
animatedly. 

As soon as a loud word was heard from the duke’s private 
room the whispers ceased, and gave place to breathless 
listening. How long the audience lasted ! Would this 
mysterious affair turn out favorably and well for Lehrbach, 
as usual ? The longer they waited, the longer and more 
disappointed grew the faces of his Excellency’s dear friends. 

Meanwhile, in the private room, his Excellency the Minis- 
ter, Count Lehrbach, drawn up as erect as the old man’s 
frail form permitted, stood before his prince. His face was 
pale and waxen, deep shadows lay under his eyes, and there 
were furrows in cheek and brow ; his silvery white hair lay 
in disorder around his sunken temples. In a few days. 
Count Lehrbach had become a feeble old man. 

But still his furrowed features wore an expression of 
' calmness, of proud, defiant conviction and firmness. His 
eyes met the duke’s fully and freely, his voice was firm and 
confident. 

Franz Eginhard had crossed his arms, and, for the mo- 
ment, ceased his excited pacing up and down the room. 


2o8 


Tfie Wild Rose. 


He stood close before the minister, with whom he had just 
once more discussed the details of the whole affair, as well 
as the verdicts as yet received from the judges. 

So you persist in your declaration that you had no 
knowledge whatever of the receipt, count ? he asked 
between his teeth. 

Lehrbach’s lips twitched. If a repetition of my assur- 
ance is required, your Highness, I am ready to confirm it 
with my oath.” 

‘‘You still deny the authenticity of the signature?” It 
came almost like a gasp from the duke. 

The minister’s brows contracted. 

“I do, your Highness, and await with confidence a con- 
firmation from the commission of inquiry.” 

Franz Eginhard’s face suddenly changed ; he came a 
step nearer, and laid his hand on the shoulder of the man 
who had served him and his for so many years. 

“ Lehrbach,” said he gently and affectionately, “we 
are alone here, only God in Heaven is witness of your 
words. You know how near and dear you are to me ; long, 
years have proved to you that you are not my officer of 
state, but my fatherly friend, from whom I have never con- 
cealed anything, however important and delicate a matter 
it might be, and to whom I never hesitated to unfold even 
my cares and embarrassments. As you have always been 
a discreet and faithful friend to me, so will I now be, not 
your prince, but only your confidant and friend. Every 
word which here passes between us shall be locked in my 
bosom, and also I assure you, Lehrbach, forgotten. Con- 
fide in me, prove to me that at least you are not deceiving 
me ! ” 

A tremor passed through the minister’s form ; he bent 
and kissed the duke’s hand. 


The Wild Rose, 


209 


My gracious lord,” said he softly, and deeply moved. 
‘‘ May God reward you with a thousand blessings for these 
mild, kind words ! But, your Highness, I have nothing to 
confide. That I am devoted to you with my whole heart 
and soul surely needs no assurance, for too many proofs 
speak for that. But that I have never in my life committed 
an act which I must conceal from your Highness, unfortu- 
nately I seem obliged again and again to assert. The cause 
of this distrust is unknown to me, and only my clear con- 
science, and the knowledge that in this moment I stand 
before you as honest and upright as in all the long years of 
my service, makes the thought that my gracious duke can 
cherish a suspicion of me in his heart, bearable.” 

A cloud darkened Franz Eginhard’s brow, but the sight 
of those weary, mournful eyes softened his rising anger. 

We are all human, Lehrbach ; we are all as weak mor- 
tals, exposed to many temptations. Your son requires a 
large allowance, and, as I have heard, spends immense sums. 
It is possible that here and there his allowance has not suf- 
ficed. It is extremely hard to refuse a favorite. In short, 

one lives beyond one’s means ” 

The duke interrupted himself, and glanced penetratingly, 
questioningly, at Lehrbach. He shivered as if with frost, 
and pressed his hand in sudden pain against his heart. His 
face changed from deep crimson to ashy pallor, and he 
clung convulsively to the arm of a chair as if dizzy, but he 
threw back his head proudly and defiantly. 

I am aware of my son’s bills, your Highness, and have 
chiefly paid them myself. Gunther has no debts, thank 
God, and there is no deficit to the balance which I have 
drawn. The reckonings and my private papers are always 
at the disposal of an examiner.” 

The minister’s voice sounded cold and harsh. Franz 


210 


The Wild Rose, 


Eginhard seemed to grow in height. His teeth were buried 
in his lower lip. 

“ So you await the decision of the scientists confidently, 
and, like me, acknowledge their opinion decisive ? 

I have such a high opinion of the sharp-sightedness of 
our scientists that I await with impatience their verdict, 
which will remove me from my present so unworthy posi- 
tion, and vindicate my threatened honor before the world.’’ 

Franz Eginhard drew nearer with gloomy brow. 

‘‘ And if it does not ? ” 

Lehrbach raised his head with sparkling eyes. 

Then, your Highness, I shall regret every day and every 
hour in which I have grown gray in the service of a land 
which tramples truth and justice under foot.” 

Every drop of blood left the duke’s cheeks, and his large 
gray eyes rested threateningly upon the speaker, as if he 
would crush the frail, feeble form of the old man with one 
glance. Then with an expression of indescribable scorn, he 
pushed the chair upon which he had been leaning from him. 
“ Comedian ! ” came sharply and insultingly from between 
his teeth. Hastily he seized a folded paper from his writing- 
desk, and threw it down on the table before Lehrbach. 

Read the decision of four authorities, and dare to look 
me in the face ! ” he thundered. 

The count stooped mechanically. The paper crackled 
and trembled in his hand. He stared at the letters as if out 
of his mind, and leaned heavily against the table. 

A gurgling sound escaped his lips, his features twitched 
as if with physical pain. Not forged — the genuineness of 
the signature recognized — ” His lips moved, and his fingers 
closed convulsively around the paper. 

Do you now deny absolutely, in the face of this decision, 
your knowledge of the i*eceipt ? ” 


21ie Wild Rose, 


21 I 


What four authorities state must be the truth — it is my 
signature. I believe it myself now, but how it came upon 
this paper, God in heaven above knows ! ” 

The duke measured the tottering form with the deepest 
scorn. Or your money bags, Sir Count,” said he, mock- 
ingly. Only to avoid scandal, and not brand my ministry 
with disgrace through its year-long head, I will ” 

A hollow cry interrupted him. Groping in the air with 
both hands the minister tottered and then fell, as if struck 
by lightning at the feet of the duke. 

Franz Eginhard threw open the door. 

His Excellency the minister has swooned ! ” cried he, 
hoarsely, to the men in the ante-room. See that the sick 
man is removed to his residence with all care and pru- 
dence.” 

On the same afternoon the duke commanded all investi- 
gations to be discontinued, and the whole affair suppressed. 
The suspected copyist had already been released from 
arrest, having furnished a more than sufficient alibi for the 
eventful day. 

The news was circulated rapidly through the capital. 
There could be but one solution of the matter, and this 
robbed the name Lehrbach of its good repute. 

Yonder, behind closely-drawn curtains, solitary, deserted 
by the world, his Excellency lay stretched upon a sick bed 
by a paralytic stroke. At his side knelt his despairing son, 
who had already sent in his resignation from his regiment. 
Thus the proud power of the Lehrbachs was broken for 


ever. 



XX. 

The news of his Excellency’s illness, and the peculiar 
orders of the duke to suppress all inquiries concerning the 
defalcation, flew from mouth to mouth. 

Then the long pent-up flood of hatred and dislike sud- 
denly overflowed ; the signal was at length given to advance 
with open visor against the name of Lehrbach. 

How many sharp claws were pitilessly shown, how the 
honor and good repute of the minister was assailed, and 
the proud family name trodden in the dust ! Where were 
the numerous friends who a few days before had bent 
before the supreme power of the minister and flatteringly 
applauded every caprice of the child of fortune ? Not a 
single one remained. 

Envy and malice had long worked secretly, and laid the 
countermines which only awaited a spark to explode 
beneath Count Gunther’s feet. He had made too many 
enemies, had let people feel too plainly that he was superior 
to them, had sown too much seed of thoughtless and arro- 
gant words. 

All these rumors found their way to Villa Carolina, and 
excited Josephine terribly : she did not shed a tear, but her 
little hands clenched themselves in trembling rage. The 
old, honorable count a thief ? Had that noble, silver head 
wdth the gentle, mild eyes and melancholy smile, harbored 
criminal thoughts? She would sooner believe that the 
bright mn itself would fall from heaven. The authorities 


21ie Wild Rose, 


213 


might decide as they chose. Josephine’s belief in the un- 
happy old man’s uprightness was greater than the most con- 
vincing proofs of modern science. 

Deserted and helpless, he lay on his couch of suffering, 
quite alone except for his faithful valet and his son. How 
could the latter care for him in his illness ? The count 
was completely paralyzed on the right side, and deprived 
of speech. None of all his former friends came near him ; 
the sill of this house was accursed, people averted their 
heads as they passed. Had not Princess Sylvie yesterday 
publicly expressed herself with incredible irony concern- 
ing the unfortunate man ? How then, in the face of such 
scorn on the part of their Highnesses, could any one venture 
to offer her services in caring for him ? 

Josephine declared to Countess Lattdorf, with the greatest 
decision, that she was ready to undertake the care of the 
minister, and begged her to take her at once to the invalid. 

The countess’s face wore a sad, somewhat embarrassed 
expression. She told Josephine that she was forced to 
consider her husband’s position, and simply could not defy 
public opinion. She was most cordially disposed toward 
the Lehrbachs, but as lady of the court, and wife of the 
court marshal, she could not express her feeling in such a 
striking manner. It was absolutely unproven that Count 
Lehrbach was not guilty of the defalcation, even if she 
were firmly convinced that such was the case. On the 
contrary, all the evidence spoke against him, and it would 
be impossible to take this man’s part against the world. 

Josephine listened to the countess calmly, and with a 
sigh, acknowledged that she was right. 

“Could it have any unpleasant result for you and your 
husband, if I went in and out of the count’s house?” she 
asked with bowed head. 


214 


The Wild Rose, 


The countess looked at her in surprise. 

Without a chaperon, my dearest child ? Impossible ! 

And if I procure a chaperon ? ” 

If any one undertakes such a position, unquestionably 
you may go. You are your own mistress, and neither by 
position nor courtesy are you obliged to consider the court 
and society. But I tell you beforehand, that it will not be 
spoken of to your advantage. Evil tongues will wag, even 
though it is a work of charity. If you have courage to 
defy public opinion, then do so, but it is in no wise advis- 
able.” 

Then Josephine raised her blonde head, a radiant, self- 
sacrificing joy lay on her lovely face. 

I acknowledge but one judge of my actions,” said she 
proudly, and that is my conscience. I will not for a mo- 
ment forget the consideration which I owe to your house, 
and will try to give my act a relief which will to a certain 
extent check malicious tongues. I will go to the Duchess 
Marie Christiane, and beg her help.” 

With a rather hopeless smile. Countess Lattdorf shook 
her head. This way will be in vain, I am afraid. The 
old count was too outspoken a member of the anti-pavilion 
party, and Count Gunther has more than once been bold 
enough to caricature her Highness and her court sarcasti- 
cally. Marie Christiane has been informed of all this, and 
you will see yourself, dear child, that in consequence little 
sympathy for the Lehrbachs can be looked for in the 
pavilion.” 

Josephine had grown even paler, but her eyes shone with 
confidence. 

I know the duchess ; I have already been called upon 
to admire higher virtues than forgiveness even in her. I 
will at least try it, and will venture a petition.” 


The Wild Rose. 


215 


My most sincere wishes accompany you, although I 
have seldom thought any affair as hopeless as this.” 

Josephine kissed the hand of the countess, then hurried 
to her room to don hat and cloak, so as immediately to 
carry out her plan. 

A mixture of snow and rain beat against her face, the 
wind whistled through the trees, and pulled at her clothes, 
the sky was gray, and the surface of the little lake behind 
the thicket heaved and trembled like a panting bosom. 

Still and solitary as ever lay the pavilion. Josephine was 
a welcome guest ; she was announced to the duchess, and 
immediately word was brought to conduct the young girl 
directly to the duchess's bedroom, as a severe cold and 
rheumatism had forced Marie Christiane to keep her bed. 
But her Highness nevertheless wished to see Josephine, as 
her maid of honor had told her that Miss von Wetter had 
an urgent petition to make. 

The interview was much shorter than Josephine had 
thought. She did not need to plead. The simple narra- 
tion of the facts sufficed to awake the warmest compas- 
sion and sincere sympathy in the duchess, as well as in 
Miss von Sacken, her maid of honor. Both ladies had 
already heard of the affair without learning the details. 

So few people of the great world came to this quiet 
house, Marie Christiane regarded it as perfectly natural 
that the old man should be most carefully nursed. She 
repelled the idea of his dishonesty with horror, and confi- 
dently hoped that this painful mystery would soon be 
solved. 

Miss von Sacken immediately declared herself ready to 
accompany Josephine to the Lehrbach house, and find out 
the exact state of affairs. In any case, two experienced 
nurses were to be engaged for the night, as of course the 


2i6 


The Wild Rose. 


ladies could devote certain hours of the day merely to the 
care of the sick man. 

Shall I go to the Sisters of Charity, your Highness ? ” 
asked Miss von Sacken. 

The duchess pondered for a moment. 

‘^The Lehrbachs are not Romanists,” said she in her soft, 
gentle voice. ‘‘ This choice might be judged awkward or 
even presuming in me ; the world is always ready to give 
an evil significance to the best efforts. There are excellent 
nurses among the Protestant deaconesses. The Superior 
will send Sister Magda to oblige me, and then the minis- 
ter will be excellently cared for.” 

Josephine’s heart was filled with thankfulness and joy. 
She knelt beside the duchess and kissed her pale hand, 
and when the slender fingers were laid upon her head, it 
seemed as if peace and confidence were poured into her 
heart. 

In the house of the minister utter confusion prevailed. 
The court physician had excused himself by a very hasty 
departure to the country, and had sent his young assistant 
to Count Lehrbach, who lay pale and motionless as a corpse 
upon his bed. Still dressed, just as he had been brought 
from the palace, his orders upon his breast, he lay there. 

The servants did not dare to take any responsibility upon 
themselves, and after a few awkward attempts to remove 
the garments from his Excellency’s stiff, lifeless limbs, had 
desisted from fear of making his condition worse. Only 
after two hours had Count Gunther been found in the city, 
at breakfast with his comrades. His face had become 
deathly pale at the servant’s sad news : he rose, and the 
hand which rested upon the table trembled so that the 
wineglasses rattled ; then, with a silent gesture to Hatten- 
lieim, he left the restaurant, leaning heavily on his arm. 


The Wild Rose. 


217 


The whole day and night the two officers watched, to- 
gether with the physician, at the minister’s sick-bed. Only 
once the old valet heard a shrill, almost delirious laugh 
from the young count’s room, which ended in a groan ; 
then Hattenheim’s grave, calm voice was heard. 

After that all was still, and when later he brought lamps 
into the room, there sat Count Gunther before the table, 
his head resting on his crossed arms, and opposite him sat 
Mr. von Hattenheim, writing rapidly. 

The next day the minister’s son wore civilian clothes, 
and the servants stared in surprise at his colorless face, 
which a single night had so totally changed. The sunshine 
had vanished, a deep shadow lay upon it, a firm, resolute 
expression, and for the first time since they had known 
him. Count Gunther looked a grave, mature man. 

The curtains were drawn closely before the windows of 
the sick-room, and deep stillness prevailed. Only a soft 
step was heard at intervals upon the thick carpet, and a 
rosy girlish face bent anxiously over the sleeper to renew 
the ice compresses on the head. Occasionally the sick man 
drew a deeper breath, or slightly moved his left arm, but 
otherwise he still lay in the lethargic state from which he 
had not roused since the beginning of the illness. 

The physician pronounced the right side paralyzed, and 
shrugged his shoulders thoughtfully. He had greeted 
Josephine and Miss von Sacken with thankfulness when 
they appeared in the sick-room, as he had sadly needed 
feminine assistance. Josephine immediately took her place 
at the bedside, while Miss von Sacken, in accordance with 
the duchess’s wish, drove to the suburbs for a nurse. 

Noiselessly, Miss von Wetter went to and fro, seeking to 
restore order in the confusion of the sick-room, raised the 
wet ice-pitcher from the silk damask of an arm-chair, and 


2i8 


The Wild Rose. 


moved the cup of hot bouillon from the delicate painted 
table. A thousand things for which she could find no 
place lay scattered around. 

Meanwhile steps were heard in the adjoining room, the 
portieres were hastily parted, and Count Gunther stood in 
the doorway. His face wore a strange expression ; he 
gazed at the young girl as at some lovely wonder which 
one cannot understand, his trembling hands were stretched 
out to her. 

So it is true — you are here ! ” came with difficulty from 
his lips : he wished to say more, but his throat seemed 
closed, and the violent beating of his heart almost suffo- 
cated him. 

Miss von Wetter, with an anxious glance at the invalid, 
had placed her finger on her lips, and signed to the young 
man to be silent ; then she noiselessly went to meet him 
and placed her hand in his. v 

‘Wes, I am here. Count Lehrbach, and will not leave 
your dear father until he is well,” she whispered scarcely 
audibly, gazing directly into his eyes. “ You must permit 
me this right, for faithful neighbors stand by each other, 
and no estate is nearer to Lehrbach than Gross-Stauffen.’' 

She saw his fearful excitement, she felt the convulsive 
pressure of his cold fingers. 

“Go! I beg you,’' said she softly. Then he stooped 
and kissed her hand with quivering lips. “ O Josephine ! “ 
he murmured, “ May God reward you for this moment ! It 
has restored to me my belief in the world.” 

The hours passed slowly. The physician came and ex- 
amined the invalid’s condition. He did not say anything, 
but his face wore an anxious expression. 

“We must prevent fever as much as possible,” said he to 
Miss von Sachen, who had just brought the news that a 


The Wild Rose. 


219 


nurse would arrive that evening. At present, nature so 
imperatively demands her rights, that the over-excited nerves 
lie in a death-like sleep. But I think that consciousness 
will return in the course of the night.’' 

Then he gave some directions, and promised to return in 
a few hours. At dusk, Hattenheim came. 

He held out both hands to Josephine, his face was very 
sad. He softly begged her to follow him into the adjoining 
room, as he had something important to tell her. 

Josephine went into the drawing-room, and seating her- 
self in a low chair, gazed sadly up at the blond man. Hat- 
tenheim told her that Gunther had sent in his resignation, 
and that he thought to follow his friend’s example. The 
changed position of affairs would be intolerable to him, and 
he was resolved to break with the present. 

Who could have suspected such a misfortune. Miss 
Josephine? 1 have passed terrible hours ; at first, after the 
fearful catastrophe, I feared for Gunther’s reason. He 
seemed physically and mentally broken, his despair was 
heart-rending ; then his pain spent itself, and yielded to 
rigid, defiant resolution. We have already discussed the 
future, made plans. 

Gunther awaits a crisis in his father’s illness, and will 
then immediately leave the city, and study in Munich or 
Diisseldorf to become an artist. There is nothing else left 
for him but to choose this profession, if he wishes to secure 
his future, for the child of fortune, the gay, arrogant Count 
Lehrbach, who was accustomed to throw money away with 
both hands, has become, over-night, a beggar.” 

Josephine started. “What do you mean?” she asked 
breathlessly. 

Hattenheim thoughtfully passed his hand over his fore- 
head, and lowered his voice to a whisper. 


220 


The Wild Rose. 


\ 


‘‘ You know that the minister is accused of embezzling a 
considerable sum/’ said he, breathing heavily, and will 
easily understand that Gunther will sacrifice everything to 
vindicate, as far as possible, his father’s honor. Alas ! as yet 
we are wholly ignorant as to whether the old count, with 
incomprehensible weakness, has speculated with the money, 
whether he signed that receipt for some such reason — in 
short, the horrible doubt as to whether or not he is guilty, 
is the most fearful torment for Gunther, which in spite of 
his belief in his father’s honor, bows him almost to the 
ground. 

“ In his Excellency's present condition, no inquiries can 
of course be made. Gunther immediately declared that he 
would be acting merely in accordance with his father’s 
wishes, if he repaid the sum with his own fortune, and has 
already declared his intentions to the cabinet. As his ready 
money is not sufficient, my friend is obliged to sell his estate, 
Lehrbach.” 

A soft cry came from Josephine’s lips. “ Sell Lehrbach } 
Heavens, that must not be ! The thought is horrible.” 
Hattenheim’s head sank lower on his breast. And yet, 
there is nothing else left for us. Unfortunately I cannot 
raise the necessary sum on my property, or else I would 
save the old estate from the hands of strangers. As it is, I 
will seek a purchaser who will agree to the condition to sell 
the estate back to the family as soon as circumstances per- 
mit Gunther to purchase it.” 

A deep flush burned on the young girl’s face. 

“ Have you undertaken the affair, Mr. von Hattenheim ?” 
Reimar nodded. “ As Gunther wishes to leave the capi- 
tal as soon as possible, I have offered to arrange his private 
affairs. It will in any case be better, for Gunther is very 
unpractical, and knows almost nothing of business matters. 


The Wild Rose. 


221 


I should so like to preserve as much fortune for him as will 
provide for his expensive art lessons and the life in a large 
city, which costs much.” 

‘‘ Will his father receive no pension ? ” 

No ! Gunther has declined it in his father’s name. We 
have agreed that, in case of necessity, the old gentleman 
shall remove to my estate.” 

Josephine breathed quickly. 

Is Lehrbach very expensive ; does it cost more than a 
million ? ” she asked suddenly. 

Involuntarily Hattenheim smiled. 

“ Oh, no ! ” said he, shaking his blond head. Not as 
much as that. I cannot tell you on the spot the value of 
the estate in round numbers ; but, unfortunately, at present 
the price of land is so low that we can with difficulty receive 
the necessary sum for it.” 

For a moment Gooseherd Liesel’s dark eyes gazed at him 
brilliantly. I will buy Lehrbach, Mr. von Hattenheim,” 
said she shortly. 

‘‘You ?” Reimar laughed, in spite of his grief. “Will 
you bring Gross-Stauffen under the hammer so as to pur- 
chase part of Lehrbach ? How kindly you mean it. Miss 
Josephine I This good intention will certainly weigh more 
in Gunther’s eyes than all the gold which will be offered for 
his property.” 

“You think me a poor girl?” A roguish smile crossed 
the young lady’s lips. 

Reimar grew deeply embarrassed. “ I at least did not 
think you wealthy enough to be able to purchase an estate 
like Lehrbach,” said he, as if in excuse. 

Josephine drew a letter from her pocket. 

“ Read it ! ” 

At first Hattenheim looked at her in surprise, and irreso- 


222 


The Wild Rose. 


lately. Then he obediently unfolded a letter in her aunt 
Renate’s firm, energetic writing, bent closer to the window, 
and glanced over it. After various inquiries, and reports 
of their simple life in Gross-Stauffen, the Freifrau wrote as 
follows to the Countess Lattdorf : 

“ I know that we and our niece were considered quite poor in the 
capital, and have no objections to the fact, but I consider it my duty to 
inform you of my niece’s money affairs. The child is quite an heiress. 
Besides the estate, which belongs to Phine, she has the available funds 
left her by her parents, which, on her mother’s side, was increased by a 
large inheritance from the widowed Princess von Erffenstein, and is 
now considerable. As for fifteen years we have let the interest accu- 
mulate, it has become a large sum. Besides that, it must be considered 
that my niece is my and my husband’s heiress, and we have not lessened 
our wealth. Phine is not exactly a millionaire, but she does not lack 
much of being one.” 


Hattenheim read it through to the end, then slowly let 
hand and letter fall and stared at the young lady in aston- 
ishment. 

‘‘Well?” said Josephine teasingly, with almost radiant 
gayety, “ has not Gooseherd Liesel money as well as hay ? 
Have I enough to purchase Lehrbach ? ” 

“ It is certainly a surprise which I had not dreamed of.” 
Reimar looked rather dismayed than pleased. “ And it 
would be extremely fortunate for Gunther, if your uncle 
could resolve to purchase the estate. Pardon, do others 
know of the contents of this letter ? ” 

“ No one except the Lattdorfs. It only came a few days 
ago. Why do you ask ? ” 

The young officer breathed relieved. “ It would be a 
very simple solution of the whole involved affair if you were 
now to — well, if you married Gunther. Your bold love 
would see no sacrifice in it, for you were not afraid to come 


The Wild Rose, 


223 


to the side of the calumniated and deserted man in the 
sight of the whole world, when his good name was assailed. 
But it would be for Gunther a happiness that would weigh 
him down with the burden of his unmerited good fortune ; 
and it would really be no happiness for you, for as yet you 
have no guarantee for the change in his character. As yet 
he has taken but a few steps along the thorny path of mis- 
fortune, and should fortune once more come to her favorite’s 
assistance so soon, a single sunbeam might suffice to ruin 
the rich harvest v/hich we have sown with care and tears. 
Miss Josephine, I therefore beg you, for your own and Giin- 
ther’s sake, let the blessing of this anxious time have its full 
effect upon him. Let him first realize what it is to stand 
firmly by his own might ; let him first learn to earn his own 
living. Believe me, by this you will do him a greater kind- 
ness than if you now shook all the gold and happiness of the 
world out before him.” 

‘‘And is Lehrbach to fall into strange hands?” asked 
Josephine softly, with deeply bov/ed head. 

“ If your uncle gives his consent to the purchase, he 
would fulfil my greatest wish,” said Reimar. “ Only I beg 
you to let the name of the purchaser be concealed from my 
friend, so that he may not suspect into whose hands his 
ancestral estate passes. As he has given me unlimited 
authority in this matter, I hope I shall succeed in carry- 
ing out the comedy, so much the more as Gunther, in his 
painful excitement, begged that he might know as little as 
possible of the matter. He needs for his studies, before 
all things, mental calm and his equanimity, and these would 
be most fearfully disturbed by a continual reminder of the 
miserable business.” 

Josephine gave him her hand cordially. 

“ I place myself completely under your directions, Mr. 


224 


The Wild Rose, 


von Hattenheim, and know that Count Gunther’s affairs are 
in the best hands. You have formerly been the guardian 
angel of my life, and the results have always proved to me 
how well I did to confide my weal and woe to your care. 
I will at once write to uncle and aunt, and inform them 
of the situation. Then, I hope, they will come here and 
discuss the matter with you.” 



I 



XXL 

Three weeks had passed since the beginning of the 
minister’s illness. 

No great change in his condition had taken place ; he lay, 
pale and silent, upon his bed, his eyes wide open and un- 
comprehending, without knowing his nurses, without signi- 
fying, by expression or movement, that he took any notice 
of his surroundings. 

Very seldom he made a mechanical effort to speak, it 
was then only a thick lisp which was absolutely incompre- 
hensible. Even with his son, he remained in this lethargic 
state. 

The physician declared that the invalid’s condition might 
continue thus for years, with very gradual improvement, or 
perhaps none at all, but that also another stroke might ex- 
tinguish the feeble flicker of life. He told the young count 
that his presence was absolutely unnecessary, and his wait- 
ing for a decisive period might be greatly prolonged. 

Then Count Gunther resolved to depart. 

The city clocks had struck six, the lamps were already 
lighted, and Hattenheim sat in the sick-room, watching the 
minister’s slumber. He had offered to remain there until 
Sister Magda’s arrival, who was to watch that night, and 
both Josephine and Miss von Sacken were prevented by 
Marie Christiane’s bazaar from caring for the invalid. 

This rest was very welcome to Hattenheim ; he could 
ponder over all that had happened recently, and his thoughts 
were very busy. 

15 


226 


The Wild Rose. 


Yesterday evening, he had had a conversation with Ange 
Lattdorf, which had suddenly opened before him an abyss 
whose depth made him giddy. What a fearful suspicion 
had taken root in this girl’s heart ! How did he so suddenly 
know whom Ange Lattdorf held capable of committing the 
deed ! 

She confided her suspicions to him. Her pale face told 
him how she suffered from her own words, how pitilessly 
she tortured her own heart with self-inflicted pain. 

Baron d’Ouchy ! This charming, universally liked man ! 
Did she suspect him ? That was an idee fixe I A morbid 
fancy. Not a soul in the capital would ever have thought 
of such a thing. And yet there was much probability in 
the suspicion as the countess stated it. 

They had taken Josephine into their confidence also, and 
had roused her to unusual excitement. She seized upon 
these new threads in the labyrinth of the momentous affair 
with fanaticism, she suddenly remembered so many expres- 
sions of the young man with which she considerably in- 
creased the suspicious evidence. Still everything rested 
upon very vague conjectures. 

But why could not D’Ouchy have in truth come into an 
inheritance ? Why should they think his uncle’s death, his 
sudden departure, the allusions to an improvement in his 
pecuniary affairs, only feigned ? Every proof of this was 
lacking. 

Improbable, even laughable as the suspicion appeared to 
Hattenheim, he nevertheless declared himself ready and 
eager to investigate it. 

Fortunately, it happened that his only sister’s French 
governess was from Brittany, and had gone back to her old 
home, after her charge’s marriage. 

Hattenheim wished to at once ask his sister for this lady’s 


The Wild Rose. 


227 


address ; one could not tell whether or not it would be of 
use. 

All these thoughts passed through his mind, then came 
the grief of parting with his friend on the following day, 
and which he heroically sought to fight down. 

Soft steps roused him from his revery. Gunther stood 
behind him and laid his arm around his friend. 

My faithful Reinz ! ” said he softly. How can I ever 
pay my debt to you ? ” 

The old embarrassed smile appeared on Reimar’s flushed 
face. 

‘‘ Do not be foolish, old fellow,” said he, shaking his 
head. “ It is a recreation for me to rest here in this 
comfortable stillness. I have been reading until a moment 
ago, and then a thousand thoughts came to my mind. 
Have you packed yet ? Where were you ? I knocked in 
vain at your door.” The man’s voice was unspeakably 
tender, he had so firmly resolved not to be weak in the 
last hours, and now he sat there and stroked his friend’s 
dark curls like a mother caressing her child. 

Gunther rose. Come into the next room,” he whis- 
pered, with a glance at the sleeper. 

Hattenheim followed on tip-toes ; he looked so awkward 
and helpless when he tried to move noiselessly, and yet his 
anxious movements were strangely touching and pleasant 
to see. Gunther drew a note from his pocket and handed 
it to Hattenheim. 

“See how they heap coals of fire upon my head,” said 
he, drawing a deep breath. Reimar read it. It was a 
note from the Duchess Marie Christiane, which requested 
the young count to call upon her. 

“ Were you there ? ” 

Gunther nodded. “ I have just come from her.” 


228 


T'he Wild Rose, 


And what was the object of the audience ? ” 

Gunther had thrown himself into an arm-chair, and 
buried his white hand in his hair. That was a trip into 
purgatory ! ” said he, in a trembling voice. That was 
the most terrible repayment which I have ever received 
for my good-for-nothing behavior. O Reimar ! Why are 
men’s eyes usually opened too late ? Why does Divine 
justice permit a man to rush madly and wildly through 
life, and with deplorable frivolity and mockery sin against 
the best and noblest? How I have drawn her with a halo 
around her head, and ridiculed her with Princess Sylvie. 
How I have caricatured her and every one belonging to 
her ! O Reimar, why did no hand tear the pencil from 
my fingers ? Why am I now overwhelmed with a nobility 
which I cannot repel, and which is more tormenting to me 
than all the malice and hatred of the multitude, which I 
can proudly defy ? ” 

All the passionate excitability of his nature broke forth; 
trembling with pain and shame, he leaned back in his chair 
and groaned. Hattenheim went to his side, and laid his 
hand upon his friend’s glowing brow to calm him. He 
spoke to him like a child. 

And what did the duchess wish with you ?” he asked at 
length, as Gunther rose energetically and pushed back the 
hair from his forehead. 

She gave me a letter of recommendation to the famous 

artist P in Munich,” replied the young count. “ A 

man, to be whose scholar means as much as to have a 
patent of skill in one’s pocket. I shall with one stroke 
attain what others strive for for years. If he accepts me 
as a scholar, it will be merely for the sake of the duchess. 
Yes, Marie Christiane, in her incomprehensible goodness, 
even goes so far as to pay for my lessons, although she 


The Wild Rose. 


229 


gives me to understand that the professor occasionally in- 
structs very talented and poor people without payment. 
She is kind enough to conceal from me the full extent of 
her benevolence. But it will remain a life-long debt to me, 
which I can never repay. That the duchess has been in- 
formed of all this by Josephine alone, is a matter of course.’’ 

Hattenheim laid his hand on Gunther’s shoulder. “ Do 
you see, Gunther, I always said that Fortune had not yet 
spoken her last word to you? She is already sorry that she 
treated her favorite so badly, and tries to even your new 
path of life to the best of her ability, by the kindness of a 
noble woman.” 

Gunther glanced up gloomily. I ' have learned the 
capriciousness of Fortune, Reimar, and trust her no more. 
I will stand on my own feet. The more difficult my way 
is, the greater the triumph of reaching my aim. Do you 
think that the rumors which circulate about me have not 
come to my ears ? Tlie world is puzzling its brains as to 
what will become of the insignificant, superficial Lehrbach, 
who only passed his officer’s examination with difficulty. 
‘ Circus rider, perhaps,’ they say mockingly, ‘ for he can 
keep his seat in the saddle excellently ! ’ Do you not 
think, Reinz, that this would be a worthy end for the bril- 
liant career of the child of fortune ? I will prove that I 
can win other laurels than those which society offers. And 
should a wonder occur in the night, and the ‘ lost paradise ’ 
of my position, my wealth, and my vindicated name be re- 
stored to me, I should not esteem it a happiness and take 
possession of it ; I would proudly and defiantly pursue the 
way which I have planned, and prove to people that the 
insignificant Count Lehrbach can also win a position in 
the world by his own strength, without being driven to 
the circus.” 


The Wild Rose. 


130 


May God prosper you, Gunther, and give you the en- 
durance which is necessary for such a life of work, renun- 
ciation and humiliation ! I fear the contrast is too terrible ; 
you do not know the curse of poverty up to this time, you 
have only looked down upon people, and do not know 
what it will be to subordinate yourself to them. I have 
just been thinking whether it would not now be a blessing 
for you to be Princess Sylvie’s betrothed. How different 
your lot would be ! ” At these last words, Reimar seemed 
to wish to gaze into the young officer’s very soul, and 
awaited his ansv/er in breathless suspense. 

Gunther’s eyes sparkled. “ Really ? Do you think so ” 
A teasing expression played about his lips, and pouted 
them scornfully. ‘‘ So that one misfortune may be added 
to another, you wish me to be bound to a woman whom I 
can scarcely respect, let alone love ? You have a strange 
opinion of good fortune, Reimar. What people say must 
be true, I have changed greatly of late, and possess sharper 
eyesight. Formerly, I let myself be dazzled by a crown, 
and considered it more valuable than the head which wore 
it, as I was about to sacrifice my heart upon the altar of 
vanity. Then I was the child of Fortune, over whom she 
shook her richest horn of plenty, and I stretched out my 
hands insatiably for a still more brilliant lot, and even strove 
for a princely crown. To-day I am a beggar in honor, 
fortune and wealth, and yet, believe me, Reimar, I would 
have, on my sacred word of honor, no other answer for 
Princess Sylvie than the one which I gave her recently. 
For the only thing I have saved from the great shipwreck is 
my heart, and that I would not sell even for a crown.” 

Gunther stood there, drawn up to his full height, prouder 
and more triumphant than in the days of fortune. Yes, the 
world was right, he was a changed man. 


The Wild Rose. 


o T 


Hattenheim’s eyes sparkled with happiness, he only 
nodded silently as answer. That is my work,” he thought 
to himself. It has succeeded, and although the medicine 
tasted very bitter, it has healed my darling in body and soul.” 

But Gunther went to the sick-bed, bent over his father’s 
gray head, and with a sad heart, gazed into the wide- 
opened expressionless eyes. 

He addressed the invalid with tender words of endear- 
ment, stroked the pale, emaciated hands ; and kissed them 
with quivering lips. 

The minister lay motionless ; not a look, not an expres- 
sion betrayed that he recognized his only child. And to 
part from him thus ! The young man’s heart ached, and 
hot tears rushed to his eyes. 

He knelt down beside the bed, and pressed his face to 
the cool linen. 

The minister’s hand passed mechanically over the silken 
coverlet, and paused weakly on his son’s curly head. It 
seemed as if he wished to bless him. 

A tremor passed over Gunther’s form ; he remained 
motionless, his soul trembled with a foreboding that this 
might be a parting forever. Sister Magda entered noise- 
lessly, Hattenheim silently motioned to her, and she with- 
drew, the portilres falling behind her. “ Let us not disturb 
this parting,” said Reimar softly. Its grave meaning is 
the talisman which my poor friend takes with him, out into 
the battle of life.” 

And it remained quiet, quiet as the grave, in the sick- 
room. 



XXII. 

The trees and hedges were decked in their fresh spring 
green. The birds sang happily, the sky was blue, windows 
and hearts were thrown open, and the golden sunshine 
admitted, which formed a brilliant bridge between heaven 
and earth, and announced to the whole world : “ May has 
come, winter is over ! The light and mild spring air also 
came through the tall windows of the Lehrbach house. 

Cushions were piled up in the hall, furniture and trunks 
packed for departure. Miss von Sacken and Josephine 
hurried hither and thither, giving directions to servants, 
who were busy in the rooms, most of which were dis- 
mantled. The house had been purchased by the Duchess 
Marie Christiane, to be turned into a winter residence for 
herself, as the pavilion had proved too damp and cold for 
her. To-morrow the house was to be vacated and the sick 
minister moved, as a considerable improvement had taken 
place in his health, consciousness and speech having been 
slowly regained. There was great discussion about his 
affairs. 

No one knew positively, but it was reported that Mr. von 
Hattenheim had the estate of Lehrbach in his charge, and 
without any one suspecting it, had sold it to a very wealthy 
foreign lady, on condition that his Excellency should retain 
an apartment in the left wing of the castle, as long as he 
lived. Apparently this was agreed upon, for as the report 


The Wild Rose. 


233 


ran, the removal to Lehrbach was to take place in a few 
days. 

But gossip was most active in reference to “ Gooseherd 
Liesel,” who seemed so devoted to the Lehrbach family, 
that for love of the minister, she was about to leave the 
capital. Society in general resolved to give the little 
country lady plainly to understand that she had become 
superfluous here. Princess Sylvie even remarked quite 
publicly : “ The friend of a swindler is not suited to us, she 
must be cut.” This was the signal for a general demon- 
stration against Miss von Wetter. Only Prince Detleff was 

obstinate, and took the young lady’s part, daily riding under 
/ 

her windows, and declaring that he would see that the 
charming little Josephine played a prominent part at the 
various balls. 

This caused heated discussion, but unfortunately, neither 
party had occasion to display these hostile feelings, for 
Gooseherd Liesel took the initiative, having since his Excel- 
lency’s illness visited no entertainments, and the beginning 
of Lent put an end to all gayety. Only at the charitable 
bazaars, when Josephine and Miss von Sachen sold em- 
broidery and fancy articles, had it been strikingly apparent 
how ostentatiously the greater part of society passed by the 
young lady with averted heads, and noticed neither her nor 
her wares, until finally Prince Detleff’s arrival changed the 
scene as if by magic. 

The only purchases which he made were fancy articles of 
Josephine’s own handiwork. How foolishly he behaves ! ” 
said Sylvie between her teeth, when she saw what exten- 
sive sales Josephine made to her brother. 

Then there was a sudden crowd around Miss von Wetter’s 
table. Fabulous prices were paid, and in a few moments 
everything was sold. The men fastened various articles 


234 


The Wild Rose. 


like trophies of victory upon their breasts. Prince Detleff 
even ostentatiously displayed three chenille balls, purchased 
from Josephine’s fichu for a ridiculous sum, and fastened 
in his button-hole like an order. 

That was terribly vexatious for most of those present, and 
caused Countess Aosta a headache for a long time ; but the 
expensive gown which she had had made of the colors of 
Prince Detleff’s regiment, remained for the present hanging 
in her wardrobe. 

Mr. von Reuenstein had a terribly hard time of it, and, 
with the best intentions, did not know how he could belong 
to both hostile parties. When he passed by Miss von 
Wetter with Princess Sylvie, he naturally cut her, and when 
he saw that Prince Detleff was making purchases of her, he 
hurried to her table with a very busy air, and cried to her : 
“Pray, Miss von Wetter, keep an inch of lace for me for 
two dollars ! ” 

But he arranged that only Prince Detleff heard the order, 
and nodded graciously to him ; the hostile party did not 
notice this little interlude, so he remained in favor there 
also. 

Baron d’Ouchy had from the first maintained his post at 
Miss von Wetter’s table ; it was the first time that Josephine 
had seen him since his return, and involuntarily she shud- 
dered at sight of him. She found him changed. He looked 
very worn and miserable. Plis eyes were more uneasy and 
restless than ever, and did not meet hers as frankly as 
formerly. He inquired after the minister’s health, and 
seemed to sympathize sincerely with the old man’s misfor- 
tune, which was surely natural. 

“ Who would have thought it ? ” said he, shaking his head 
gloomily. 

Then he bought a bunch of violets which he had pur- 


The Wild Rose. 


235 


chased of Ange, and handed it to Josephine with a very 
speaking glance. 

Can one never meet you anywhere ? " he asked softly, 
as Miss von Sachen turned away for a moment. In vain 
have I hoped to meet you at every entertainment. I have 
much to say to you, Miss von Wetter.” 

Josephine looked him firmly in the face. “ I only see 
those people who have courage to go in and out of the 
Lehrbachs’ home.” 

Will you receive me there ? I assure you that I would 
stand far greater tests of courage, and it would indeed be a 
difficult obstacle which should bar me the way to you. But 
I was told that no visitors were received at Count Lehrbach’s 
house, and that my attempts would be vain.” 

Josephine lowered her head. For the present, we must 
indeed preserve the greatest quiet in the whole house.” 

I just asked Countess Ange whether we could not re- 
sume our music. She refused for the present, on account 
of her nervous headaches. So have I no chance of seeing 
you again soon ? ” 

His glance was feverish, consuming. 

How hard it is to be forced to be patient when one be- 
lieves himself at his goal ! ” he murmured gloomily. “ Do 
not forget. Miss Josephine, that I longingly await news from 
you which will permit me to pay a visit to the minister’s 
house.” 

I will send you word.” Josephine looked at him thank- 
fully. She had no other idea than that D’Ouchy wished to 
speak to her about the unhappy affair. 

Meanwhile Prince Detleff came up to her with a gay 
greeting. 

After that time she often found bouquets of delicate, 
significant flowers in Villa Carolina, accompanied by a brief 


236 


The Wild Rose. 


greeting from D’Ouchy. She looked upon them as a very- 
charming token of his sympathy. 

Ange was strikingly pale and grave, but gradually a happy 
calm came to her. She often wore a relieved look, and at 
times stood for hours at the window, waiting for E.eimar. 

When he told her that he, like Gunther, had resigned 
from his regiment, it seemed to him that a tremor passed 
over the slender form, as if some sudden fright caused her 
to drop the little porcelain figure which she had just taken 
from a bracket to dust, and which crashed into splinters 
upon the floor. He had been so busy picking up the frag- 
ments that he did not entirely understand her answer, but 
it seemed to him that she said : How lonely it will be 

when you all go ! ” 

He had then reminded her that she was invited for the 
summer to Gross-Stauffen and Lehrbach. That would be 
delightful. The stay in the country would certainly be as 
pleasant for her as for him, and he was extremely anxious 
to see his esteemed cousin for once without gloves, and no 
longer under the stiff restraint of capital life. 

Shall you be in Lehrbach also ? ” Countess Lattdorf 
had asked, with a slight blush. 

“ I have promised Miss Josephine to spend two or three 
weeks there in July, so as to superintend the new building 
which the old Count Lehrbach had already begun.”. 

And shall you in future settle permanently upon your 
estate ? ” 

Reimar nodded. My lease with the present tenant ex- 
pires next year. I shall then try to manage my estate myself, 
and believe, dear Ange, that I shall be more lonely than 
you, who will find so much distraction and excitement in the 
great world. It is very quiet on my estate. I shall sit quite 
alone in my ancestral castle, and my sole pleasure will be 


The Wild Rose. 


237 


the letters of my friends. But better so than live like a 
hermit in the midst of this gay life. I am a strange fellow, 
and do not belong among men, nor shall I be missed by 
them.” 

‘‘But yes, Reimar ! I shall miss you sadly every day” — 
Ange gave him her little hand cordially, — “ and will only 
realize by my loss what a dear and faithful friend you have 
been to me.” 

“ An upright friend, Ange, an upright friend ! ” he stam- 
mered, with a deep flush, and involuntarily he glanced at 
her writing-desk. But the diary was no longer there. He 
had not seen it again since that evening of the ball. 

He now knew against which man his cousin sought pro- 
tection of him ; knew who sought to bewitch her soul with 
poisonous melodies, whose love knew not right, law or 
might. And involuntarily he drew himself up to his full, 
stately height, stretched his sinewy arms, and threw back 
his head. “Be comforted, dear Ange. Here stands one 
who will safely protect you from every one ! ” he thought. 

He began to speak of Baron d’Ouchy then, and told his 
cousin that, unfortunately, he had reached no result by his 
investigations. 

The young diplomat’s uncle had actually died in Brittany, 
although he had lived in such moderate circumstances that 
a large fortune could scarcely be expected to fall to his heir. 
But still, it was so often the fancy of confirmed misers to 
starve and suffer from every kind of want, so as to pile up 
a larger and larger fortune. 

Ange listened to his report with lowered eyes. “ I must 
confess that my belief in any explanation of this unfortu- 
nate matter is considerably shaken. If D’Ouchy were con- 
cerned in it, after all that has occurred, I consider him 
too clever not to have concealed his tracks on all sides. I 


238 


The Wild Rose. 


am very curious to know whether he will actually offer him- 
self to Josephine; his manner leaves scarcely any doubt that 
he will.” 

Thus May had come, and the day upon which his Excel- 
lency Count Lehrbach must leave his house, and retire for- 
ever from the world’s great stage, upon which, for so many 
years, he had played an influential and prominent part, was 
at hand. 

Out of sight, out of mind ! People had become accus- 
tomed to the closed window-blinds of the minister’s house, 
and did not for long ask whether a pale face lay in death- 
like sleep behind them. Since the slender form was no 
longer seen at Franz Eginhard’s side, since the white head 
with the piercing gray eyes no longer watched over the weal 
and woe of a whole land, he was scarcely thought of, and 
what had happened dissolved like mist into the sea of 
oblivion. In scarcely eight weeks ! Life is so much 
more rapid in a capital than in the quiet peace of a Gross- 
Stauffen. 

In the drawing-room, near the sick-chamber, low voices 
were heard ; Josephine was speaking to Baron d’Ouchy, who 
had most unexpectedly been announced. He stood near a 
chair ; the hand which rested upon the back of it, trembled. 
The green curtains were drawn, and threw an almost livid 
light upon the diplomat’s thin, colorless face. More deep 
set than ever, the gloomy eyes burned, and the lips were 
pressed tightly together in gloomy defiance. 

You are going away, Miss von Wetter ? ” said he shortly. 

Josephine gave him her hand pleasantly, and nodded 
without embarrassment. We must leave this house, be- 
cause the changes and repairs are to be begun next week.” 
And you would have gone without fulfilling your 


The Wild Rose. 


239 


promise of permitting me first to pay a visit to this house ? ” 
D’Ouchy’s lips quivered. 

“As you were invited to the Lattdorfs' this evening, I 
thought that I had kept my word by that.” 

Josephine wearily seated herself upon a sofa, and with a 
courteous gesture, invited D’Ouchy also to take a seat. 

“You know, Miss von Wetter, that in society it is im- 
possible to discuss private affairs, and the principal object 
of my visit is to see you alone. 1 did not think you so 
terrible as to leave me for such a long time in suspense, for 
I may surely infer, after our conversation in the winter-gar- 
den, that the reason of my call is not unknown to you ? ” 

A sudden anxiety overcame the young girl — why did he 
torment her with recollections She tried to avert them. 

“ In the winter garden we spoke of dragons, of monsters, 
and of the modern evil spirit which is called gold,” said 
she with a somewhat forced laugh, “ and I remember very 
well that you wished to enter into conflict with fate, and 
scale the mountains which it placed in your path. This 
road to happiness was in your opinion paved with gold, and 
if I am at all skilful at combining facts, I presume that 
the reason of your call to-day, is to tell me of the triumphs 
which you have had over the dragon gold. For judging 
from what I have heard, you have returned from Brittany 
a wealthy man.” 

D’Ouchy’s eyes clung as if spellbound to her laughing 
face. Miss von Wetter seemed more charming than ever 
to him, in her plain black gown, from which her little 
hands peeped out, white and symmetrical as if chiselled 
from marble. 

“Certainly I wished to tell you that. Miss Josephine. 
Are you not glad that the golden gate of fortune has at last 
opened to me ? ” 


240 


The Wild Rose. 


‘‘ I congratulate you with all my heart, and I am sur- 
prised that a short time ago you gazed so hopelessly into 
the future. Why were you so uncommunicative about the 
wealthy uncle whose heir you were ? The knowledge of 
his existence should have filled you with the greatest con- 
fidence.” 

The young diplomat’s features suddenly grew strangely 
rigid. He bent nearer, and lowered his voice. 

Permit me to confide in you unreservedly. Miss Jose- 
phine. What has never been told to another soul, and what 
\ guard as my greatest secret, I will confide to you, as the 
greatest proof of my trusting devotion.” 

' Josephine started back, and stared breathlessly into his 
eyes. But D’Ouchy continued in a whisper : 

That uncle in Brittany was no wealthy uncle from 
whom I could hope to inherit a large fortune. I knew that 
I could merely expect a very small, insignificant sum from 
him. But I was resolved to make this little sum the fate of 
my life. I would throw it into the scales, and place my all 
upon a single number. A year ago, such an act would have 
seemed madness to me, for at that time I knew no aim 
worthy of ' such a hazardous risk. But as fortune is often 
won in a single moment, my lot also was decided by a 
single glance into a girl’s blue eyes, which made my whole 
heart and soul her own. Passion seized me like a wild 
fever. I was resolved to risk everything for my love, to risk 
victory or utter defeat by a rash effort to possess her. I gam- 
bled and I lost. I saw no way by which I could attain my 
aim. I was about to put a ball through my head. Then 
came the news of my uncle’s death. Once more I clung 
with a bright flicker of hope to a straw. I went to Brittany 
and received the pitiable little sum. It should be my last 
throw for fortune. I went to Monte Carlo. I would either 


The Wild Rose. 


241 


return here as a wealthy man, or not at all. I placed my 
money, and I won! Never did a man play with more 
furious success than I, tlie desperate man who staked life 
and hope upon the queen of hearts. I have returned here 
a wealthy man, my love has not left me.” 

With a deep breath, D’Ouchy paused, his eyes glowed 
feverishly ; he bent nearer, and seized Josephine’s hand with 
trembling passion. 

Deep disappointment had been depicted upon her face 
during his words ; she stared at him with large, dull eyes, 
but D’Ouchy continued in passionate excitement : 

And do you know, Josephine, who has become the light 
of my life ? Whose were the sunny blue eyes which sud- 
denly turned my thoughts and whole nature into a hurri- 
cane ? These were the sweet laughing lips which filled me 
with mad longing for a kiss, whose words of promise intoxi- 
cated me, and drove me into a conflict for life or death, 
which whispered to me my fate on that evening when you 
promised to wait for me a short time, faithfully and trust- 
ingly. The goal is reached, Josephine. I have plunged^ 
fearless of night or crime, into the depths of the sea of life, 
to win you, you white pearl, from fortune. And now that I 
have won the victory, I demand the prize which you prom- 
ised me. You, Josephine ; you and your love ! ” 

With a slight scream Miss von Wetter drew back from 
him. Had D’Ouchy gone mad ? The hot gypsy blood 
beat in his temples, and flushed his dark face crimson ; a 
wild, unchained fire of passion burned in his gloomy eyes, 
and let her look shudderingly into the abysses of an uncon- 
trolled human soul. A veil seemed to fall from her eyes. 
She drew herself up proudly. 

‘^You permit yourself to speak to me, Baron d’Ouchy, in 
a manner which I do not understand, and which I forbid as 


The Wild Rose. 


242 


insulting. What right or occasion have I given you to 
insanely believe that I love you ? ” 

The young man stood opposite her as if petrified, his face 
was pale as the plaster bas-relief above his head. ‘‘Jose- 
phine ! he cried, like one who has received a mortal 
wound in the heart. 

For a moment there was utter silence, then Leon d’Ouchy 
tottered a step nearer. Why have you played with me so 
horribly ? ” he asked, with trembling lips. 

Josephine stared at him in horror, with wide-opened eyes. 
‘^Played with you? — Heavens! You speak in riddles. 

Baron d’Ouchy, there seems to have been some painful 
mistake.” 

He set his teeth, pressed his hands against his breast. 
“ Did you not assure me in the winter-garden that you were 
not engaged to Hattenheim, that you would wait faithfully 
for a short time, until it should be decided whether or no 
Fortune would show us her smiling face ? Was not that 
more than an assurance that my love was returned ? ” 
D’Ouchy leaned heavily upon the back of a chair ; a threat- 
ening, almost mad fire shone in his eyes. 

Josephine buried her face in her hands. 

That question referred to you ? Almighty God ! how 
could I have been so blind ?” 

Referred to me ? — To whom else should I refer when I 
ask you a question which decides the life happiness of two 
human beings ? ” 

A sob sounded in the young girl’s voice. I thought you 
were his friend. I had no other thought but of him, and 
fancied that you had long ago guessed the secret of my 
heart ! ” 

D’Ouchy stared down at her like a dying man for a mo- 
ment. It seemed as if he were gasping and struggling for 


The Wild Rose, 


243 


words ; then suddenly he laughed shrilly, insanely. His 
slender form sunk into the chair, and from his lips came 
hissingly : Another ! Is all for another ! And that was 

your great promise, Fortune ; that was the reward for 
which hell is singing a victory ? Another ! Another, who 
has pulled the fool’s cap over my ears ! ” 

Then he suddenly sprang up again, and seized Josephine’s 
hand with an almost painful pressure. And yet no other ! 
For your blush, your shy, lowered eyes ; the expression of 
your features when you consulted the sweet oracle of the 
marguerite with me — all the thousand little charming ways 
in which you distinguished me, were meant for no other — 
they were for me ! And therefore, Josephine, take pity on 
my despair, and my ruined life ; leave me the sweet belief 
in your love, without which I cannot exist. Have pity upon 
the man who is burdened with the curse of an uncontrollable 
gypsy wildness ; whose life bears but a single glowing, intox- 
icating, overpoweringly fragrant rose of love, and whose 
heart will bleed to death if this blossom is mercilessly 
blighted. What a man can risk and sacrifice for his love, I 
have done. I have made it my whole life, and shall be a 
beggar if I lose it. Josephine, do not let me, so near the 
aim, sink into the abyss ! And if you have deceived me, 
let it be now — now, when you wish to make me believe that 
another is to reap the harvest which I have sown with the 
peace of my conscience, with the highest stake that a man 
may risk ! ” 

His colorless face wore an indescribable expression. He 
stared up at Josephine like a criminal v/ho awaits his sen- 
tence. D’Ouchy had fallen down before her slender form, 
and lay at her feet like one in despair. 

A great misery filled the young girl’s heart. She laid her 
trembling little hands upon his head. 


244 


llie Wild Rose. 


“ May God forgive me for what I have unconsciously 
sinned against you, Leon ! ” said she softly, her voice 
breaking, and may He give you back the peace of which 
I unsuspectingly have robbed you. On my knees I will 
pray Him to help us both. My most sincere sympathy for 
your sorrow, my truest hopes for your happy future, I offer 
you with all my heart. More I cannot give you, Baron 
d’Ouchy, for the love which you desire belonged to another 
from the first moment when I learned the meaning of love, 
and will belong to him to the last moment, and until my 
heart ceases beating.” 

Baron d’Ouchy had risen ; he stared at her with glassy 
eyes. Wildly, beside himself with feverish passion, he 
caught her in his arms. 

‘‘Woe to you and me if this is the truth !” he gasped. 
“You do not know, woman, what I have done for you ! 
Give me back my soul, which I have pledged away ; pay 
me with kisses for my Judas-money ! ” And he bent down 
to press his lips to her curls, fighting with her desperate 
resistance. 

Then he suddenly started back, his arms sunk limply 
down, and he turned his head toward the door and listened. 

“ Leon d’Ouchy ! ” a low, querulous voice called. 

His limbs shook. As if drawn by invisible hands, he 
tottered unresistingly toward the door of the adjoining room. 

“That was the minister,” he murmured, “that was Lehr- 
bach.” And with uncertain gait, like a lunatic, trembling 
with dread, and yet spellbound, step by step, he approached 
the sick-room. 

The old man lay rigid and motionless, his wide opened 
eyes burned in their deep cavities at the young man. “ Leon 
d’Ouchy,” he whispered, with great exertion, “1 heard 
your voice ! — I recognized you — I have long waited for 


The Wild Rose, 


245 


you. Oh, why did you leave me, my only friend, and ex- 
pose me to the malice of others ? ” He paused, exhausted, 
then his deathly pale face twitched nervously, his emaciated, 
trembling hand was stretched out to the young diplomat. 
“ D’Ouchy,” he continued, with a flickering glance, while 
impatience and his efforts to control his heavy tongue flushed 
his cheeks slightly, do you know what they have done 
to me ? Oh, my misery that your eyes here see is not the 
worst which has befallen me. My honor is stained, my 
name disgraced ! God in heaven knows that I am innocent ! 
— D’Ouchy ” — great tears ran over the sick man’s thin 
cheeks ; he clung with pleading anxiety to the hand of 
the young attache, who had sunk down upon the chair by 
the bed, and at sight of his former chief had covered his 
eyes with the other hand, with a groan of agony — “ not I 
alone am trampled in the dust. My poor child, my Gun- 
ther, is ruined, his whole life wrecked, — and through me, 
me, D’Ouchy, who only wished to live .for his happiness. 
— Why did not God take me from the world sooner 1 — 
why first bring disgrace upon my house ? — You are a 
clever man, Leon. You love me. I know it, — I was 
indeed like a father to you, always dealt honestly and 
faithfully with you, strove for your success to the best of 
my ability. And now — now, have pity upon my misery — 
help me and my child. — Investigate ! — Find the offender ! 
and give me back my name, my honorable name again ! ” 
It came like a cry of pain from the old man’s lips. His 
voice died away, only his eyes rested in tearful, glittering 
misery upon the face of the diplomat. 

Miss von Sacken and Hattenheim had entered. D’Ouchy 
rose and leaned on a chair, as if ill ; he forced himself to be 
calm, although his teeth chattered as if with cold. He 
held the minister’s damp, lifeless hand in his ; he bent down 


246 


The Wild Rose. 


to the silvery white head. I will do what is in my power, 
your Excellency,” said he hoarsely. “I will sacrifice my- 
self in the task of giving you back your honor, and the 
respect of the world. You may rely upon it. But when I 
have discovered the offender ” — he bent down still lower, 
and whispered almost in the invalid’s ear — then promise me 
to forgive the unfortunate’s great crime with all your heart ; 
perhaps he has already been more fearfully repaid than by 
the harshest sentence of an earthly court.” 

^‘God bless you, D’Ouchy ! I promise.” Slowly the eye- 
lids sank over the eyes, a deep sigh of happy relief raised 
the sick man’s breast, but D’Ouchy bent and quickly pressed 
his lips upon the despised man’s hand, and then, with dif- 
ficultly-forced firmness, crossed the room to the door. 

Hattenheim went up to him and offered his hand. He 
was startled at the young man’s distorted face, who bowed 
shortly to him and Miss von Sacken, and left the room. 

“ Poor D’Ouchy,” said Miss von Sacken. The sight of 
the invalid has affected him unspeakably, he looked ter- 
ribly. He tottered past me like a walking corpse.” 

Hattenheim breathed heavily. “ Poor D’Ouchy ! ” he 
repeated, as if in deep thought. 

Miss von Wetter excused herself by the valet for the next 
few hours. She had a severe headache, and had driven 
back to Villa Carolina for a short time. 




XXIII. 

They had ceased talking about the Lehrbach affair in 
the capital. New events, new little scandals, even if of a 
quite harmless nature, gradually caused society to forget it, 
and no one dreamed that this minister drama could pos- 
sibly have an afterpiece, which would bring that forgotten 
event again into the foreground. An almost incredible 
rumor flashed like lightning through the capital. 

Baron d’Ouchy had shot himself. 

In a fit of insanity, it was suspected, as the young dip- 
lomat's strangely changed manner had already been com- 
mented upon for* weeks. At first it was believed that grief 
over the minister’s downfall was the cause, as D’Ouchy had 
been his favorite and passionate admirer. And it had hap- 
pened so very suddenly ! such a short time after a call upon 
Count Lehrbach, whom he had left in a state of the great- 
est excitement. 

He had written some letters and left them in his servant’s 
charge, then a pistol-shot in Baron d’Ouchy’s bedroom 
had alarmed the occupants of the German ambassador’s 
house. 

Entering through unlocked doors, they found the attach^ 
lying in an arm-chair, stiff and already dead. The ball had 
entered his brain through the temple, and death must have 
occurred instantly. 

A small fire still burned in the chimney; charred papers, 


24S 


The Wild Rose. 


remnants of cotillon favors, faded flowers, and a yellow old 
ribbon proved that the deceased had prepared his writing- 
desk for strange and profane eyes. 

The motive for this terrible deed was at first a mystery, 
over which people racked their brains. Deep, universal 
sympathy and sincere regret prevailed in the capital ; for 
D’Ouchy had been a very popular member of society, and 
it had been fancied that after his rich inheritance he would 
play a brilliant role among the jeunesse doree. But the ex- 
planation which soon followed, was even more exciting, 
more incomprehensible, than the deed itself. 

D’Ouchy had left a letter to the cabinet, in which he 
confessed himself guilty of the defalcation which had been 
ascribed to his Excellency the Minister Count Lehrbach. 
He gave an exact explanation of the apparently incredible 
affair, and asserted that he had committed this unfortu- 
nate act in a state of desperation and utmost need, without 
suspecting that it could have such fearful consequences for 
the Lehrbach family. He had been firmly convinced that 
the duke would spare his favorite in every respect, and that 
the whole matter would be suppressed before it had excited 
the slightest comment. He had, indeed, seen that Count 
Lehrbach would of necessity resign his position as minister, 
but this misfortune scarcely counted as such in comparison 
with his own desperate situation. The sin which he had 
committed against his noble patron and friend, he now ex- 
piated by a voluntary death, and was ready to vindicate his 
Excellency’s tarnished honor by a detailed account of the 
circumstances. 

A full report of the few important facts followed. 

The minister’s signature was indeed genuine. A chain 
of favorable circumstances had assisted the young attach^ 
most remarkably, and had enabled him to venture his 


The Wild Rose. 


249 


hazardous step without any danger to himself. Overbur- 
dened with work, nervous and worn ^out, Count Lehrbach 
had slightly departed from his usual rule, so as to get through 
with business more rapidly. 

He read the different documents which awaited his sig- 
nature attentively through, and piled them up before him, 
but then signed them quite mechanically and hastily, one 
after the other. Baron d’Ouchy had often been of great 
help to him, had handed him the different acts, bills and 
receipts, and taken charge of them after their signing. He 
had made use of a favorable opportunity to slip the receipt 
of the Berlin banker among them unobserved. 

The minister, who only used his glasses while reading the 
different documents, and in accordance with his custom 
signed his name without removing his pen from the paper, 
or glancing closely at it, owing to his near-sightedness, en- 
tirely overlooked the contents of the receipt when he signed 
it, and relinquished it, firmly believing that every one of 
the papers had been carefully read by him. 

Thus it had been possible, without the slightest risk of 
exciting suspicion, to secure his Excellency’s signature. It 
seemed as if fortune wished to favor D’Ouchy’s fatal deed 
in every way. Unusual circumstances contributed to place 
the sums of money in the attache’s hands in the least notice- 
able manner. D’Ouchy received them, fully convinced 
that the duke’s favorite stood on far too firm a footing to 
seriously suffer by this defalcation, even if he should really 
survive the discovery, he was so old and frail, this man all 
powerful at court. 

With this thought D’Ouchy quieted his conscience, 
which at first had troubled him somewhat, but on the whole 
his gypsy nature was too wild and bold to long brood over 
anything. His path led over corpses, pitilessly treading 


250 


The Wild Rose, 


under foot whatever formed a barrier to his love, which 
knew neither right, law, nor might. 

A glaring light had suddenly been thrown upon the Lehr- 
bach affair, which dazzled the eyes of the public, and fairly 
seemed to overpower Duke Franz Eginhard, with its un- 
expected clearness. The news passed from mouth to 
mouth with lightning rapidity. The minister’s downfall, 
and the sensational events which caused it, had scarcely 
created such excitement as this indescribably surprising 
solution of the mystery which had ruined the honor and 
happiness of a perfectly innocent man. 

Franz Eginhard was painfully excited. His conscience 
tormented him. The sincere, scarcely suppressed liking 
for the faithful friend who had been to him like a father, 
and whose illness and misery, his harsh words, his displeas- 
ure, were guilty of, awoke again with all its depth in his 
heart. It drove him at once to Count Lehrbach’s house, 
to heal with double and triple attentions and marks of dis- 
tinction the wounds which had so mercilessly been made 
in the honor of that white-haired man. 

Too late ! The house was empty and deserted. The 
yellow sand of the drive still bore the wheel-traces of the 
little ambulance which had borne his Excellency into exile 
forever. 

He learned from the physician that the great excitement 
which an interview with Baron d’Ouchy had caused the in- 
valid, had made his condition considerably worse, so that 
for the present the complete rest and quiet of the coun- 
try must have a good effect upon the over-strained nerves 
before one could venture to startle the old gentleman with 
fresh news, even should this be of a happy nature. 

So the duke resolved, himself to write to Count Gunther 
and ask him to send news to his father, so soon as he 


The Wild Rose. 


251 


should be well enough. He urged the young officer to 
return to his home as soon as possible, so as to give his very 
affectionately disposed prince opportunity to express his 
extreme pleasure at the solution of the painful affair. The 
capital would receive him with open arms. 

Count Gunther answered most devotedly and happily. 
The invitation to return, however, he refused very de- 
cidedly, with the remark that he was completely absorbed 
in his studies and had received such alluring encouragement 
of his talent from his master and instructor, that he con- 
sidered it his duty to pursue the path he had taken, so as 
to win the laurels which he hoped in time to lay at the feet 
of his gracious prince. 

Hattenheim received a letter from his friend in the same 
style. 

“ I will no longer rely upon fortune in future, but upon 
my own powers, dear Reinz,” he wrote, ‘‘ and hope thus to 
have a securer footing under my feet than formerly, v/hen I 
blindly balanced on a tight-rope, which threatened a fall and 
death whenever the goddess Fortune withdrew her hand. 
And I also will show the good people of society that the 
‘ circus ’ need not yet be Lehrbach’s last idea ; I am paint- 
ing quite an ambitious picture, which is to be a previous 
effort to one for the exhibition. The professor found the 
method of my home instructor excellent, and surprised me 
with the favorable criticism that my work already consid- 
erably surpassed mediocrity. In July and August I shall 
take a vacation, then I shall fly to thee, my faithful Reinz, 
and take all the burdens which my impatience and cow- 
ardly desire to leave home have placed upon you, from 
your broad shoulders. Thank God that D’Ouchy was so 
honest, and did not spend the money before his death. 
Now I can buy back my dear Lehrbach with a clear con- 


252 


The Wild Rose. 


science. I would not have believed that I could have 
such a tender feeling for the late crow’s-nest ; but I 
assure you, Fatty, the thought of losing Lehrbach was for 
me the most terrible of all the griefs which I have expe- 
rienced.” 

A happy smile lit up Reimar’s honest face when he had 
finished this letter. Yes, it was again his happy, laughing 
favorite of formerly who had written those lines, and yet 
it was another ; where before the poisonous plants of vanity 
and frivolity had grown, now waved the precious green 
plant hope. 





XXIV. 

On the day when the news of Baron d’Ouchy’s sudden 
and horrible end was circulated from house to house, a 
threatening cloud settled over Villa Carolina, which seemed 
ready to put an end to all happiness and sunshine. 

Countess Ange had been sitting in her boudoir, finishing 
a very fine, elaborate bit of painting. A violin case of dark 
ebony stood before her, the top of which her slender hand 
was decorating with the strangest arabesques, which, repre- 
senting musical symbols, were grouped around Baron 
d’Ouchy’s initials. 

Ange was making a philopena, which the young diplo- 
mat had won from her over some little musical discussion. 

She bent down over palette and brushes ; it seemed to her 
that a hum and vibration passed through those twisted 
figures, fiery measures, such as sprang from Leon’s violin, 
as if suddenly they whirled in a mad dance, as if they 
formed strange, dissolving pictures. 

The countess sat erect for a moment, pressed her hands 
against her temples, closed her eyes and drew a deep 
breath. She had worked too continuously and hard. She 
must rest a while. How her heart beat ! was she ill ? A 
weight seemed pressing down on her soul, an inexplicable 
uneasiness and dread seized her ; perhaps a walk through 
the castle park, a breath of fresh air, would do her good. 

Ange closed her paint-box ; the lace of her sleeve dipped 
into the little saucer in which she had rubbed carmine 


254 


The Wild Rose, 


paint. She overturned it, a blood-red stream of color 
flowed over the cover of the violin case, just over D’Ouchy’s 
monogram, and trickled down upon the carpet. A shudder 
passed over Ange’s frame ; she sprang up, and hastily moved 
the saucer. The maid appeared. 

Bring water quickly, and a cloth,” cried the young lady. 

I have had an accident. I had almost finished the difficult 
task, and now I have spoiled the whole painting with one 
stroke.” 

Ah, Miss Ange, have you heard it yet ? ” cried Lore, 
staring at the carmine stream. ‘^This red lake reminds me 
of it again — oh ! — I cannot look at it — ” and she covered 
her eyes with her hand. 

Ange looked at her in astonishment. What has hap- 
pened ? What should I know ? ” 

‘‘Ah, countess, Baron d’Ouchy ! — the handsome, distin- 
guished gentleman — and such a misfortune, such a terrible 
misfortune ! ” 

The young lady’s eyes stared at her, large and glassy. 
“Baron d’Ouchy — what has happened to him ?” she asked 
scarcely audibly. 

“ He has shot himself ! — like lightning in a blue sky — 
the Lessier’s servant has just told us about it down-stairs — 
they found him lying in an arm-chair, dead and cold, no 
one knows why.” 

Ange grew pale as snow. She raised both hands, trem- 
blingly warding off the speaker. 

“ Mr. von Hattenheim has just come and told the 
countess. I was to ask you to come down.” 

“ Water ! ” came like a scream from Ange’s lips. 

“Yes — yes — immediately. I will bring a cloth to wipe it 
up, too ! ” and almost frightened at her usually so kind 
mistress’s rough command. Lore rushed out of the room. 


The Wild Rose, 


255 


She did not see how the young lady pressed her hands 
against her breast, how she took a few tottering steps, how 
she sank down without a sound. 

When Lore returned, she started back with a piercing 
shriek, then throwing herself down helplessly beside the life- 
less form, with her cries for help, plunged Villa Carolina 
into the greatest commotion. 

Reimar von Hattenheim’s strong arms carried the uncon- 
scious girl into the adjoining room, laying her as carefully 
and tenderly upon the lounge as if the pale burden in his 
arms were a lily broken by the storm and whose petals 
threatened to fall away at the slightest touch. 

After long, anxious, unbearable minutes, the first flush 
of life appeared in the countess’s cheeks. She raised her 
dark lashes ; her first glance was into the blue eyes of 
Reimar, who knelt beside her, and with trembling haste, 
rubbed her cold hands between his. 

A cry of terror escaped her. She clung to the great, 
awkward man’s hand. “ Do not let him in, Reimar — lock 
the door — don’t you hear ? — Steps — nearer, ever nearer — 
merciful God ! ” 

Sobbing loudly. Countess Lattdorf bent over her child 
and pressed the feverish forehead against her breast. The 
physician’s carriage rolled up to the door. 

Countess Ange Lattdorf was ill with nervous fever. Her 
heated fancy tormented her with strange pictures in the still- 
ness of the night. She heard the wild fiery Czardas, the 
passionate songs which Baron d’Ouchy used to play, howl- 
ing and thundering like scornfully-laughing demons around 
her bed, shrinking, or whispering softly, sweetly and fear- 
fully threateningly in her ear, and then the ghostly voices 
ceased with sobs, a pale face emerged from the mist, 
with dark fiery eyes and a brow over which strange blood- 


2s6 


The Wild Rose. 


red flames flickered, and a -band was stretched out to 
her. 

Ange screamed with torture and horror. Reimar — 

Help me, Reimar ! ” — and a tall, sinewy form came to her 
side, raised his arm toward this pale spirit, and she thought 
he pressed it down to the ground until it vanished from 
sight. 

Then she breathed as if released from an unhappy spell, 
seized the blond man’s hand and tremblingly clung tightly 
to it, until she started up anew from her half sleep, when 
the gentle pressure of this hand charmed her into sweet, 
mild slumber. 

For three nights the countess v>^atched at her daughter’s 
sick-bed, Ange clinging tremblingly to her hand, and calling 
her Reimar, Then a rapid improvement set in, and at the 
physician’s wish, towards the end of May, the countess was 
to be removed to Gross-Stauffen to convalesce, where 
Josephine awaited her with loving longing. 

The spring sunshine streamed into the balcony room of 
Villa Carolina, over the blooming plants, near which an easy- 
chair was placed, among whose cushions the countess had 
now for some time passed the day. 

She still looked pale, but her eyes had their old brilliancy, 
their calm gaze which was *so pleasant. Except several 
visits from the Duchess Marie Christiane, who had even 
come herself to the young lady’s sick-bed, Ange had as 
yet received no calls. Only Reimar von Hattenheim went 
in and out daily, and the numerous bouquets of May-bells, 
violets, and primroses, which exhaled their fragrance from 
every nook and corner of Ange’s room, represented his 
morning greeting, with which, early each morning, he 
inquired after his cousin’s health. 

Ange awaited him with true impatience. In these com- 


The Wild Rose, 


257 


fortable, quiet hours of conversation, both had learned to 
know each other well, and they had touched upon many 
topics never discussed between them before. And when 
Reimar told of his youth, of home, of the solitary majestic 
castle for which he longed as the polar bear for his icy den, 
then recollections of the wild Carmen songs fled away like 
mist before the sun. Then it seemed to Ange that a soft 
hand was passed lightly over her eyes so that she might 
see. 

This morning Miss von Dienheim had sent a note with 
the question : ‘‘Will Countess Ange at last let her two 
starry eyes once more shine upon the just and the unjust, 
and if I, Use, should storm Villa Carolina about noon, should 
I retire defeated ? ” 

The physician had been present when the little note, 
redolent with jockey-club perfumery, was placed in the 
hands of the young countess. 

“Miss Dienheim?” he laughed. “Of course you may 
receive her, countess. Her visits are not of an exciting 
nature, unless her fists are called into use. Clanking spurs 
and coarse German will not hurt you, even if it is a trifle 
unsympathetic.” 

When, a little later, a terrible commotion was heard in 
front of Villa Carolina, the barking of dogs, whistling and 
loud, very plain reasoning, Ange said, smiling involuntarily : 
“ Use is coming. She is announcing herself in her usual 
way.” 

And surely enough, after a few minutes, some one was 
heard coming noisily up the stairs, the door was burst open^ 
and Sylvie’s great mastiff rushed up to Ange. Use followed, 
laughing loudly. 

“ Did you hear how the rascal opened the door himself ? 
We have taught him that with the sweat of our brows, to 

17 


258 


The Wild Rose. 


tease Susanne. She is as afraid of his cold muzzle as of 
Asiatic cholera, and so we chase Pirate and Madonna into 
her room a dozen times daily. Come here, you scamp, you 
beauty ! Give Auntie a kiss ! You do not wish it, Ange ? 
Are you afraid of him ? Well, give him a kick, then.’’ 
And Use seated herself upon the arm of a chair, dangling 
her feet. 

Her Highness is often in very bad tempers now,” said 
Use, after a little desultory conversation. Can you guess 
why ?” she added, with a somewhat malicious wink. 

Ange looked very astonished, and shook her head. 

“ Oh, well. You are very innocent ! — Apropos, does 
not your cousin sometimes speak of Lehrbach ? ” 

Very seldom. The count is working so hard that he 
does not write many letters.” 

Do you believe that the fellow will really accomplish 
anything ? We are deeply interested.” Use’s eyes fairly 
sparkled. 

Ange was terribly laconic, and Use had little talent for 
pumping people. 

Do you know, I believe Lehrbach is in love with Goose- 
herd Liesel ? ” 

Indeed ? You surprise me. Use ! ” 

Well, you are her intimate friend.” 

Probably not, since I am left in ignorance.” 

But did the Wetter buy Lehrbach ?” 

That is the first that I have heard of it. Reimar merely 
spoke of a stranger.” 

Sylvie is furious that she let it escape her. Do you 
think that she could enter into a bargain with the present 
owner ? ” 

It might be difficult ! ” Ange could scarcely suppress 
a scornful smile. 


The Wild Rose. 


259 


‘^Her Highness earnestly requests that you will get the 
lady’s address from your cousin. Will you ?” 

I will, of course, ask Reimar for it.” 

Good ! Her Highness will know how to appreciate it. 
By the way, how are you ? You look so well that I almost 
entirely forgot to ask you.” 

Meanwhile Pirate had overturned a table. Use called 
him off, and flourished her cane. Soon after she left. 

When Ange Lattdorf left the city, a few weeks after, Mr. 
von Reuenstein did not fail to appear at the station, with a 
bouquet of roses for Gooseherd Liesel, which he placed in 
the countess’s care. 

For this purpose he begged leave of absence of the duke 
and Prince Detleff, whom he accompanied on a morning 
walk, and he was dismissed by both gentlemen with a gra- 
cious smile. 

‘‘The only one of them all who is always the same,” said 
Detleff, with a nod to the man who was hurrying away. “ I 
have noticed, dear Franz, that the poor fellow’s button-hole 
looks very empty ” 

“That can be remedied,” laughed the duke, in the best 
of humors. 





XXV. 

The lindens of the Lehrbach park stood in full bridal 
array. There was a mysterious humming and buzzing 
among the blossoms, as if the leafy tree-tops bent close 
together to whisper a charming fairy tale of love and happi- 
ness to each other prophetically. 

The white petals floated down upon Josephine’s blonde, 
curly hair, as she sat, bent over a book near the minister’s 
wheel-chair, reading to him. The wonderful summer days 
had not failed to have a good effect upon his health. 

The face which the silvery hair, surrounded was, to be 
sure, still pale as marble, and bore unmistakable signs of 
great suffering, but the rigid, apathetic look had wholly dis- 
appeared. And the gray eyes, which a short time ago had 
been so expressionless, were now clear and intelligent, and 
melted with love and tenderness when they rested upon his 
little nurse’s charming face. He had not yet regained the 
use of his limbs, and there seemed little hope that this 
would ever occur, for his Excellency was too old and frail 
to entirely recover from such an illness. The physician con- 
sidered it remarkable that his mind had become so clear. 
Since two weeks. Count Lehrbach had been able to speak, 
understood what was said, and took the deepest interest in 
everything, which was a great happiness for his friends. He 
had listened patiently to the remarkably dull and unexciting 


The Wild Rose, 


261 


story which Josephine read to him. Suddenly he raised 
his white hand, and laid it on the young girl’s arm. 

That is enough, my wild rose. You will tire yourself.” 

She looked up with roguish eyes. “ It is too tiresome, 
eh ? But it is meant to be so, and it is to help you to a 
little nap, which will do you good. As soon as you have 
slept through the entire night, this interesting book, whose 
excellent service we must not meanwhile disparage, shall be 
bestowed upon you.” 

The minister smiled. “ I am not at all tired to-day, my 
darling,” said he tenderly, and slept so w^ell last night, 
that I even had a most delightful dream. It is all so clear 
and distinct to me even now, that I could imagine I had not 
yet awaked. Put down the descriptions of travels, to which 
I thankfully remove my hat, and let us talk, Josephine. 
You have not yet told me, you bad girl, what Gunther wrote 
this morning, and yet I saw an express messenger coming 
across the terrace. So confess quickly. Mademoiselle 
Miser ! Do not grudge other people a crumb from the 
abundance of your news.” 

Josephine had knelt down beside the invalid chair and 
crossed both arms on the side of it. She glanced mischiev- 
ously up at the old man, while a deep blush mounted 
traitorously to her cheeks. 

“You are wrong, stern man ! Count Gunther write let- 
ters ? Good heavens ! what v/ould become of the German 
postal system if it were dependent for support upon the 
postage of this gentleman ? Every four days a card with 
the laconic, dictatorial words : ‘ How is papa ? Pray send 
bulletins ! Letter follows ! ’ He often even omits the 
signature, and if a letter really follows, it is always to you 
and never addressed to me.” 

“ The poor boy ! ” An abrupt roguish expression played 


262 


The Wild Rose. 


about the old man’s mouth. “He thinks to himself: 
^Aut Ccesar, aut nihil ' Either write everything that I wish 
to Josephine, or not at all.” 

Josephine lowered her eyes, quite startled. 

“ The letter was from Mr. von Hattenheim,” said she 
quickly. 

“ Ah ! And what does our good Reimar wish ? ” 

The young girl looked up irresolutely. “ That should 
really be told you as dessert,” said she smilingly, “ when 
you were nodding finely, and joy could not rob you of your 
afternoon nap. But as you have been so good, I need not 
keep my secret longer. ” 

The minister smoothed her head lovingly. “ See how 
you deceive the old man ! ” said he jokingly. 

“Here is Hattenheim’s letter,” continued Josephine 
gayly, drawing a letter from her pocket, solemnly unfolding 
it and reading it aloud : 

My dear Miss Josephine : 

Did you think that you had gotten rid of the “good old Hatten- 
heim for a while ? Deceptive fancy ! When these lines reach you, 
you will just have time to open the windows in the spare room, and 
become accustomed to the thought that my visit hangs like the 
sword of Damocles over your head. I intend once more to storm dear 
Lehrbach, after having taken leave of its hospitable roof scarcely a 
week ago. The motiv’^e for this deed is a letter from Gunther, which 
just surprised me here in the capital. His vacation begins in a few 
days, and he begs me to hurry to Lehrbach to prepare every one for his 
arrival. I think the vain fellow wishes garlands hung over the doors. 
Have the kindness, my dear Miss Josephine, to communicate this 
news to his Excellency at the proper moment. I write to you as a 
matter of caution, because for a week I have had no news of my dear, 
fatherly friend’s health. I humbly beg you to send a carriage to the 
railway station to meet me. Recommending myself to your favor, I 
am, Yours sincerely, 


R. VON Hattenheim. 


The Wild Rose. 


263 


Josephine looked up with sparkling eyes ; during the 
reading her bowed face had flushed, and her voice trembled 
as if with difficultly-suppressed joy. But she controlled 
herself perfectly, and continued eagerly : See, your Ex- 

cellency, what news the avaricious Josephine has kept from 
you for two hours ! It has been hard enough for me. So 
here you have the letter. Are you not happy ? and imagine 
what a pleasure it would be if Count Gunther should sud- 
denly stand before you and surprise you in person ! ” 

The old man looked up into Wild Rose’s shining eyes ; 
his hand trembled slightly upon the arm of the young girl : 
My Gunther, my own dear boy will come ! ” he whispered, 
with moist eyes. 

Josephine rose, a nervous uneasiness suddenly overcame 
her. It seemed to her that every glance, every word, would 
betray her heart. 

I will take another look at the guest-chamber, your 
Excellency,” said she hastily, and also give orders to have 
your son’s room arranged. After that, I must go back to 
Gross-Stauffen with Aunt Renate and Ange, and for the 
next few days, can scarcely come here. Perhaps once more 
to-morrow; after that. Count Gunther will keep you company 
and you will not miss me.” 

A slight smile played around the invalid’s thin lips, but he 
merely said : So, so ! My little wild rose is faithless to me, 

and \vishes to return to Stauffen. Would that I had a mag- 
net to hold the dear little fugitive here ! But see ! ” he 
interrupted himself suddenly, raising his head and glancing 
towards the gate which separated them from the park drive, 
‘‘there comes the yellow chaise ! ” 

There it came, tottering on its high wheels, the dear old 
yellow Stauffen monster. Josephine held up her very sim- 
ple but modern and extremely becoming muslin gown, and 


264 


The Wild Rose. 


hurried lightly and gracefully down the shady path to meet 
the carriage, from which Aunt Renate and Ange alighted. 
Fresh, blooming and rosy as the personification of health 
and youth. Countess Ange smiled at her friend. Her cheeks 
had filled out and completely lost that pale, transparent look 
which in the capital had given her such an enviable distin- 
guished appearance. The sun had given her a somewhat 
southern complexion, but Ange Lattdorf had left all vanity 
behind her in the capital, the change in her was almost 
incredible. 

‘‘ See, Phine, that is what I call an excellent housekeeper,” 
Aunt Renate had often said, with a smile of satisfaction, 
when the city lady, whose coming to Stauffen had been very 
distrustfully regarded, enthusiastic about country life, ap- 
peared early in the morning in the dairy, eagerly assisted in 
butter and bread making, helped gather vegetables and 
fruit, and with sparkling eyes assured Mrs. von Wetter : 

Now for the first time in my life I am really happy ! ” 

Hattenheim often stood and gazed at the young lady who 
left her elegant gowns hanging in the closets, and dragged 
out Josephine’s old cotton frocks. Ange was not half so 
pretty and ideal as in the city ; not a trace of the society 
woman and the cold beauty ” remained ; warm roses 
bloomed on her cheeks. But it seemed to him that some 
miracle had taken place, which had suddenly opened his 
eyes so that Countess Ange seemed more charming, attrac- 
tive and lovable than ever before, and he sometimes turned 
away his head quite suddenly as if one could read what he 
thought of his cousin upon his brow. What was it that fas- 
cinated him so in her ? Just what had once made his heart 
beat faster at sight of Josephine, this simple womanliness 
which was his ideal of a wife. 

Josephine, on the contrary, resembled a butterfly, which 


The Wild Rose. 


265 


cannot conceal the gay splendor of its wings, once they are 
unfolded, in an insignificant covering. She dressed much 
more fashionably, and in every movement, every gown, re- 
mained the elegant representative of the great world. 

^^It is well thus ! ” Reimar often said to himself. “ Noth- 
ing else is suited to GUnther ; he has a far too artistic and 
modern taste. Unmodern clothes are a terror to him.” 

So the yellow chaise drew up before the castle. Aunt 
Renate and Ange merely made hasty greetings for the 
present,’' as the Freifrau, in accordance with her custom, 
immediately wished to make an inspection of the Lehrbach 
house, so as to see whether the poor old man needs any- 
thing.” His housekeeper was an excellent person, recom- 
mended by Mrs. von Wetter herself. But good heavens ! 
how can any one be trusted nowadays ! Besides, Phine is 
far too careless. She is very clever at sick-nursing, but has 
absolutely no taste for kitchen and cellar.” This had always 
been a sorrow to her aunt. 

Do you see, your Excellency, I have brought you some 
raspberry jelly,” said she to the invalid, and raised the white 
napkin from a basket which she carried, freshly made 
after a special receipt for invalids, therefore not cooked in 
a copper kettle, but in a glass jar. Unfortunately the color 
is not as beautiful as it should be. However, that does 
not matter. Show me your butter, Ange ! Hm ! — a little 
soft in spite of all the leaves we put around it. That is 
from the miserable heat in the close carriage. Just see, 
your Excellency, how yellow and smooth it is ! And made 
by whose hands ? Here, by our splendid girl, our Angelica. 
Do you hear, Phine ? that is what pleases me.” 

Then the Freifrau set out upon her wandering through 
kitchen and cellar, while the two girls went to take another 
look at the guest-chamber. Ange blushed like the crimson 


266 


The Wild Rose, 


rose upon her breast, when she heard of Hattenheim’s sud- 
den return. She plucked a fragrant bouquet in passing to 
adorn his room, she laughed and was as gay as a child. 

Up in the cool twilight of the room, Josephine suddenly 
threw her arm round the countess’s neck. Ange ! ” cried 
she, with trembling joy, do you also feel so strangely ? 
The world suddenly seems too small for me ; it seems as if 
there were not room enough for all my happiness.'’ 

The young countess smiled. 

‘ ‘ Das machtes hat die Nachtigall 
Die ganze Nacht gesungen. 

Da sind bei ihrem sussen Schall, 

Da sind bei Schall und Wiederhall, 

Die Rosen aufgesprungen/’ 

sang she softly, like a whispered confession in her friend’s 
ear. 

The Lehrbach carriage rolled along the sandy road. 
When it came near the castle park it stopped, and two gen- 
tlemen alighted to take the footpath through the meadow 
and park — Count Gunther and Hattenheim. 

When the bushes hid them from the sight of the coach- 
man, the young count stood still, and with a deep breath 
laid his hand on his friend’s shoulder. 

At home, Reimar ; at home again ! Thank God that I 
can tread this ground with a light, happy heart ! For a 
while I had given up the hope of ever again being the 
owner of Lehrbach. And to-day, when I look back upon 
the past, it seems to me only a bad dream.” 

Hattenheim gazed at the speaker’s handsome face. But 
it has left no traces, this dream,” said he, jokingly. ‘‘ I will 
fetch a microscope to-morrow and look for the white hairs 
of which you wrote me in your first letters. Where are 
they, Gunther, eh ? I will pull them all out.” 


The Wild Rose. 


267 


Gunther laughed. “ Pull out my hardly-won orders with 
which fate and experience have distinguished me ? No, 
Fatty, I defend my gray hairs as a panther defends her 
young. Not every one can show such a memorial on his 
temples. With these gray hairs the Gunther of former days 
is laid in his grave, and a stone placed which marks the 
turning-point of my life. See here ! ” and Gunther removed 
his hat from his dark curls. Convince yourself what an 
honorable man returns from the world ! ” 

Laughingly he bent his head, and with solemn gravity 
Reimar discovered that there really were a few silver hairs 
on his temples. “ Yes, yes, old fellow, it is high time to 
think of the future. I will at once insert a matrimonial 
advertisement for you in the daily papers.” 

Gunther laughed. “Have you so little hope and confi- 
dence in your friend’s irresistibility as to already resort to 
such a desperate act ? ” 

It was still the old, sunny face of the child of fortune who 
turned with sparkling eyes toward the ruin, vvdiose gray walls 
rose close before them from among the trees and bushes. 

“ Oh, no,” said Reimar, shaking his head with a sigh. “ I 
am even very much afraid of this irresistibility.” 

“ Indeed I Well, courage. Fatty ! Whom am I to avoid ? ” 
In spite of his joking words a shadow fell on his face. 

“ It is a strange coincidence, Gunther,” continued Rei- 
mar very seriously, with bowed head, “ that a few days ago 
the present owner of Lehrbach arrived here to have one 
more look at the estate before she gives it back to you. 
She intended to arrange the whole matter with me, but when 
she heard of your expected arrival she preferred to deal 
directly with you. This tete-a-tete troubles me a good deal, 
Gunther, for the lady is charming, and perhaps even more 
irresistible than you ” 


268 


The Wild Rose, 


Gunther, who at first had listened attentively, took a few 
impatient steps. 

May the devil take such nonsense, Reinz. I shall cer- 
tainly never marry,” he replied fairly angrily. 

‘‘We will speak of that later, when you have gazed into 
the eyes of the most charming of women, the possessor of 
Lehrbach.” 

The young count bit his lips. “ Do you know me as 
little as that ?” he asked constrainedly. “ Spare me a dis- 
cussion of affairs of the heart.” Then he continued more 
calmly and indifferently : “ What is the lady’s name ? It 
is incredible, but true, that in spite of all my questions, I 
have never received an answer from you as to who really 
purchased our estate. A foreigner, you wrote me ? ” 

It was very difficult for Reimar to preserve a sober face. 

“ Do you know, old fellow, it is such a jaw-breaking 
name that I have difficulty in pronouncing it ; but I will 
get you her visiting card. She certainly cannot boast of 
much in the way of family, something of a parvenue ; they 
say she tended geese or ducks. But in any case she is 
charming.” 

Gunther’s thoughts were wandering. “ Is — is Josephine 
at Lehrbach ? ” 

“ For some time.” 

“ She knows the lady ? ” 

“ Oh, certainly.” 

“ Do they harmonize ? ” 

“ Like one heart and soul.” 

“ So soon ? ” 

“ Wherever Miss von Wetter is, there is — Miss what’s her 
name also, and whatever Josephine wishes, she wishes. 
Whatever Gooseherd Liesel decides upon, she gives her 
consent to ; in a word, they are inseparable.” 


The Wild Rose, 


269 


Giinther stared before him, or else Reimar’s sly smile 
would have irritated him. 

“ Is the woman a widow, that she goes about in the world 
so alone, and has such sums of money at her own dis- 
posal as were necessary for her to purchase Lehrbach ? ” 

“ Oh, what are you thinking of t An old uncle trots at 

her heels ! Only be patient, you will see her this even- 

• > ) 

mg. 

Gunther looked up thoughtfully. Is Josephine with 
papa now ? ” he asked. 

I hope so ; I do not know positively, for, like you, I 
have just returned from a journey.” 

The young count suddenly stood still, seized Hatten- 
heim’s arm and looked him straight in the eyes. 

Reimar,” said he very earnestly, you have always 
ignored the hints in my letters, and have never voluntarily 
confided anything to me about the relations between you 
and Josephine. Now, before I meet her again, tell me 
frankly, so that I may know how to conduct myself with 
her. Do you love her, Reimar ? ” 

‘‘ No, Gunther. I do not love her.” 

‘‘ Incredible ! ” 

Listen to me.” The young man’s voice was firm, his 
face serious and earnest. 

When I first met Josephine, the simple, unaffected 
child of nature, lying in the hay, covered with the gray 
waterproof, it suddenly flashed upon me, what the woman 
must be who could one day make me happy. I learned to 
know my own taste. As long as I saw Josephine in Gross- 
Stauffen, she seemed to me the embodiment of my ideal, 
although I saw her faults. I saw that everything which she 
did about the house was only obedience, that at heart she 
was no willing home-body ; I thought her youth an excuse 


270 


The Wild Rose, 


for this. But from the moment when I saw her again in 
the Lattdorf house, modernized and elegant, the vision 
vanished which at our first meeting I had seen of the future. 
Josephine was no longer the simple, rustic Gooseherd Liesel 
of Gross-Stauffen ; she was just what all the thousand other 
women in the capital were to me, a drawing-room lady. 
She is indeed charming and lovable, in the sense of beauty, 
even more attractive than formerly ; but I see her only 
with my eyes, not with my heart. I am her friend, nothing 
more. You know I am a strange fellow, you must not judge 
me from the ordinary standpoint ; I go my own way. That 
I let you fancy for a long time that I was Josephine’s lover, 
I did — for your sake. And I will tell you the reason an- 
other time. So now I hope I have been frank enough with 
you, dear Gunther, and do not be angry with me for the 
bitter dose I gave you before ; it has made a fine fellow of 
you.” 

Reimar clasped his friend’s hand, Gunther gazed at him 
penetratingly. ^^You are a very good fellow, Reinz, and 
have so often made unsuspected sacrifices for me, that you 
must forgive me some suspicion in this moment. Hand on 
your heart, Reimar, are your words the truth, or are you 
merely telling me a charming fairy tale to lull your heart- 
ache and my scruples to sleep ? ” 

Hattenheim smiled, and solemnly laid his hand on his 
heart. “ Pure truth, Gunther, at present only words ; but, 
God willing, a deed will soon prove to you better than 
any speeches, that your old friend no longer thinks of a 
wild rose which has only bloomed at my side for the ‘cruel 
boy.’ ” 

The young count’s features wore a surprised, almost per- 
plexed expression. 

“Reimar — you — ?” Then he interrupted himself, and 


The Wild Rose. 


271 


pressed his friend’s hand heartily. That would make my 
happiness complete. I should not have another wish ! ” 

For a moment there was silence, then Gunther asked 
hastily and softly : Do you think that I may hope that 

Josephine will be mine? All the sacrifices that she has 
made for my father, convince me that she has forgiven me ; 
but what can give me certainty that she loves me ? I shall 
never have courage ” 

Pst ! stop ! ” said Reimar, suddenly holding the speaker 
back. With that he raised his hand and pointed to a 
woman’s light form which appeared through the bushes 
among the ruins. 

The path had gradually ascended, and now led up with 
a slight curve to the old wall, which was overgrown with 
blooming plants, with golden jasmine, wild cherry and haw- 
thorn. The old ruin resembled the enchanted palace of 
Dornroschen, on whose mossy iron door ledge, the sweet, 
golden-haired princess, with longing, moist eyes, awaited her 
bold hero. 

There sits the mistress of Lehrbach ! ” whispered Rei- 
mar, mysteriously. Come quickly, and let me sacrifice 
you upon the altar of her loveliness.” 

Involuntarily Gunther drew back. “ Let us turn and go 
around another way,” he grumbled. 

‘‘Not at all, you hot-head ; come a little nearer, and at 
least look at the benevolent fairy whose hand rested pro- 
tectingly over the castle of your ancestors.” 

He pushed Gunther energetically to the turn of the 
path. 

The setting sun threw its last golden rays upon the 
slender girlish figure which sat, v/ith back turned to both 
gentlemen, upon a green mossy rock. More mechanically 
than eagerly, she traced a name or letters upon a stone, her 


272 


The Wild Rose. 


head was bent, the sunlight rested like a golden veil upon 
the floating little curls which the breeze raised caressingly 
from her forehead. 

A deep blue summer sky arched itself above the irregu- 
larly broken walls, happy birds soared up into the clear 
azure, or chirped and twittered among the acacia twigs, 
from which the breeze shook down a snowy rain of petals. 
Gunther started back, stood motionless, and stared as if 
spellbound at the charming picture. “Josephine — ” he 
murmured. “Josephine the mistress of Lehrbach ! 

A tremor passed over him, he did not hear Reimar’s steps 
dying away in the distance behind him. He had only one 
thought, one idea in life, that slender, girlish form on the 
wall yonder. 

The crimson sunset glow intoxicated him, the sweet per- 
fume of the acacias seized him as if with magic force, and 
drew him towards her. 

“Josephine!” rang like a trembling cry of love and 
happiness through the sunset glow and perfumed air. 
“ Josephine ! ” 

The blonde head was raised quickly, the blue eyes saw a 
dark-haired man standing near the climbing wild-rose, and 
looking at her with the same brilliant gaze which had once 
won her whole heart. He raised his arms and stretched 
them out to her. 

The white blossoms, suffocatingly sweet, fell down upon 
her, the wall seemed to tremble beneath her feet, and the 
sky flamed above her head, but Josephine pressed both 
hands against her breast, a soft, half-suppressed cry of joy 
came from her lips, and then — then she felt herself safely 
wrapped in a cloud of delirious happiness. Two strong 
arms clasped her, two quivering lips were pressed to her 
dreamy, closed eyes. All nature seemed whispering and 


The Wild Rose. 


273 


pulsating with happiness, the sky was filled with rosy clouds, 
and the flowers swayed like bells in the wind. 

A sunbeam fell upon the stone upon which the white, 
girlish hand had scratched the words : “ Whoever has never 
suffered through love, has never really loved.” They shone 
brightly, like pure gold. 




XXVI. 

It was early in the morning. 

The Gross-Stauffen garden lay bathed in bright sunshine. 

The Turkish beans over the arbor had donned their 
splendid dress, and glowed like red and blue flames among 
the dark leaves which shaded it. 

Tulips and lavender, pansies and sweet marjoram peeped 
out among currant and raspberry bushes ; lettuce and pinks, 
parsley and slender lilies grew together in the best har- 
mony ; while over the warm, shining, gravel walks snails and 
gay beetles crept, and a thousand little gnats shone like 
gold-dust as they danced in the sun. 

Countess Ange sat in the arbor and cut beans. She had 
a large coarse blue apron over her pink cotton gown, and 
her sleeves were rolled half-way up on her white arms. As 
a last remnant of city elegance a thin gold bangle shone 
around her small wrist. 

Ange was quite alone and listened to the birds that sang 
Buch sweet songs in the tree-tops above her. They sang of 
beautiful summer time, of the world which is so lovely, of 
human beings who are so happy. The gay laughs of the 
girls who were raking the hay rang out in between, and the 
breeze blew the sweet scent of the hay from the meadow. 
What a morning it was ! 

Ange’s industrious hands paused a moment as she dreamed 
with open eyes. 

How delightful it must be if one could sit in such a gar- 
den and see in the distance the ocean ! Reimar had told 


The Wild Rose. 


275 


her so much of his home. It must be lonely there, but only 
for one who is alone ; for two it would be a paradise. 

‘‘ I would I were a birdling, I’d fly far oyer the sea ! ” 

Ange smiled. “Yes, you happy little singers with your 
swift wings, but as yet I do not envy you, as yet it is 
delightful to be here ! ” 

“ Good-morning, dear Ange ! ” said a voice near her sud- 
denly. 

She was not startled ; she looked up and gave Hatten- 
heim her hand as if she had long expected him. 

He was in hunting dress, and the green hat became him 
excellently. 

“ Did you come on foot ? ” asked the countess. 

He sat down beside her. “ I really wished to shoot some 
game for the old count, but had no luck this morning, 
and before I knew it I left the right path and was on the 
way to Gross-Stauffen. I thought that you were in the 
arbor.” 

“ I call that an exercise in military tactics. Let me out 
quickly, so that I may get you some breakfast ! ” 

He stretched out his arm as barricade. 

“ Stay here ! ” said he, softly. “ I should like first to 
rest awhile.” 

Ange seated herself again, feeling strangely embarrassed. 
For a few moments silence prevailed. 

“ I have brought you something,” said Reimar, and drew 
from his coat pocket a bouquet of wild-flowers. 

“ How good of you, dear Reimar, to think of me ! ” she 
replied, without meeting his eyes, took the flowers and fas- 
tened them in her gown. 

“ I think so much, almost always of you, Ange ! ” said he 
quite softly. 

How sweetly the flowers smelled ! 


276 


The Wild Rose. 


With^trembling hands Ange cut her beans. Reimar bent 
his head nearer toward her and looked at her. 

I used to think that I must be very careful when I took 
your hand so as not to crush these delicate little fingers, for 
I should never have thought that they could do so much, 
and it shamed me to look down at my great awkward fist. 
But now I feel as if in all the world no two hands are better 
suited together than ours ! ” 

The young girl looked up in confusion ; both faces were 
deeply flushed. 

‘‘What strange ideas you have ! ” she stammered. 

“ Do they not please you ? ” Reimar’s voice trembled 
between fear and hope. Ah, that he had courage to take 
this little hand in his only once boldly. 

“ Dear, dear Ange ! ” Alas, the knife slipped from the 
bean in her trembling hand and hit her finger ; a tiny red 
thread of blood flowed over her delicate hand. Reimar 
hastily seized it ; all shyness was suddenly forgotten ; he 
pressed his lips to it and kissed it. 

“ Reimar ! ” came tremblingly from her lips. 

Then for the first time he was conscious of his boldness. 
From pure embarrassment he held her other hand fast and 
kissed it also. 

“ Well, I declare ! ” said a voice suddenly ; a shadow fell 
upon the path, and with a soft cry the countess started 
back and drew away her hands. There stood Uncle Bernd, 
pipe in mouth, both hands resting on his sides, and smiling 
slyly. 

“A second engaged couple already, eh, children ? Well, 
I have seen it coming for a long time, and knew that the 
good God meant you for each other. Here is my hand, 
Hattenheim, you dear good soul ; and you too, countess. 
I will be the first to congratulate you.” And with over- 


The Wild Rose, 


277 


flowing heart Uncle Bernd clasped both the young people, 
almost stunned with fright, to his heart. “ May God bless 
you, children ! Come to Renate, quickly ; she will be so 
glad ! To think that I was the first to find it out ! ” 

With that he once more clapped Reimar on the shoulder, 
and hurried back to the castle, as fast as his feet could 
carry him. Ange stood speechless, and buried her glowing 
face in her hands ; but Reimar looked down at her with a 
radiant expression, boldly placed his arm around her slender 
figure, and drew her to his breast. 

“ Ange ! ” said he, with all the tenderness of his deep 
voice, “are you angry with dear Uncle Bernd, because he 
read our hearts better than we ourselves ? ” 

Then she raised her tearful eyes, threw her arm round 
his neck, and whispered : “ How I do love you ! ” 

When, after a short time, the two walked back to the 
castle, arm in arm, Reimar’s wild-flowers had drooped and 
faded on the countess’s breast, but she carefully locked them 
up in a little box of treasures, and always kept them as a 
sweet remembrance. How much the fragrant flowers might 
have told ! 

When the autumn wind blew over the bare fields and 
svv^ept up the fallen leaves, when the swallows flew around 
the gray tower of Castle Stauffen, and once more sang their 
ever new song of parting and meeting again, the bells of the 
village church rang out joyously one day. The flowers 
were gone, ripe fruit hung on the trees. The church was 
festively adorned, and the world basked in sunny calm, 
when the loveliest of brides walked down the castle steps, 
on the arm of a slender, dark-haired man, who as a cruel 
boy had plucked the little wild rose, and was now, after 
storm and conflict, a grave and tried man, to wear it on his 
heart forever. 


278 


The Wild Rose. 


The soft white satin gown rustled down the steps. The 
small, but very distinguished circle of invited guests, had 
assembled before the house in the open air, to proceed on 
foot to the church near by. His Excellency the Minister 
awaited the bridal party at the side of the altar. 

But as the procession was forming, rapidly advancing 
horses’ hoofs dashed along the road. Two carriages whirled 
into the castle yard, and drew up before the steps. A lackey 
wearing the ducal livery sprang down and opened the doors. 
Franz Eginhard and Marie Christiane alighted from the 
first carriage ; Prince Detleff, Miss von Sacken, and Mr. von 
Reuenstein followed in the second. 

The bells in the tower rang out. Led by Duke Franz 
Eginhard and Prince Detleff, Josephine crossed the thresh- 
old of the church. Gunther followed with Marie Christiane 
and Freifrau Wetter von Stauffenberg. 

Pale, motionless as a marble image, the minister stared at 
the procession. Then suddenly his limbs shook, and he 
raised his hand toward his prince and tried to rise, trem- 
bling with excitement, from his chair. 

“ My gracious sovereign ! ” came like a sob from his lips. 

The organ svv^elled out joyously : Praise thou the Lord, 

O my soul!” Franz Eginhard laid Josephine’s hand in 
the young count’s, then hastily approached the wheel-chair, 
and threw his arm around the minister’s shoulders. 

“ Praise the Lord, O my soul ! ” he whispered to him, 
deeply moved, bent and kissed his head under the silvery 
curls. 

Count Giinther returned with his young wife to Munich, 
where he completed his studies. He worked with untiring 
diligence, and even grudged the short time of being present 
with Josephine at the wedding of Ange and Hattenheim. 
This took place in the capital, as the court marshal would 


The Wild Rose. 


279 


not hear of granting Hattenheim’s wish that they should 
be married quietly on his estate. It seemed to Ange’s 
father so wholly incomprehensible that his delicate, petted 
little daughter Ange could find pleasure in country life. 

“ When you can no longer endure your black and white 
Siberia, children, then come back to Villa Carolina for the 
winter, the capital will provide amusement enough,’’ said he, 
in consolation, and added smilingly : But you must not 

appear as did Gooseherd Liesel, at a court ball with wreath 
of camellias — do you hear, Ange ? — or else I shall disown 
you ! ” 

Ange merely pressed her betrothed’s hand tenderly, and 
Reimar’s radiant expression seemed to say : 

“ If we are only to come when we are no longer happy, 
then there is no danger of our coming back ! ” 

And so it was. Hattenheim’s castle on the coast has 
never again been long empty, since the great, blond owner 
literally carried his slender young wife across thejhreshold, 
for spring entered its old gray walls then, the crimson roses 
of happiness bloomed in every nook and corner, and 
planted a brilliant banner on the pinnacles, which shone out 
over the waves like a smile of blissful peace. 

In spite of their solitude, they were kept informed by 
frequent letters and visits from the young Lehrbach couple 
of everything that happened out in the world. For Count 
Gunther, whose name already stood high among the list of 
famous painters of the present day, lived in the metropolis 
of the German empire, in most brilliant circumstances. 
Princes’ favor and extraordinary success crowned his work, 
which, strangely enough, did not make him vain. However 
splendid these laurels were, the red rose of love came first 
in the artist’s heart, for Count Lehrbach loved his charming 
wife idolatrously. 


28 o 


The Wild Rose. 


At the home capital, great changes had taken place. 

Since the Minister Count Lehrbach’s honor had been so 
brilliantly rehabilitated in the eyes of the world, a warm 
friendship had arisen between Franz Eginhard and Marie 
Christiane, which favorably changed the lonely woman’s 
position, although Princess Sylvie saw that intrigues and 
public demonstrations were not lacking to try and drive 

the Catholic ” away. No one knew what to make of this 
hatred. The princess was embittered, more capricious and 
eccentric than ever, until she suddenly married a widowed 
grand duke, and highly ungraciously turned her back upon 
the capital. 

Everyone was very anxious as to how this marriage would 
turn out, and universal surprise was felt when rumors arose 
that the “ shrew had found her Petruchio who would tame 
her ; ” no one had believed the elderly man equal to such 
a task. There must have been violent scenes at first, 
but after the birth of a little princess, her defiance was 
broken, and the miracle accomplished that the lofty lady 
more frequently sat by the cradle than in the saddle. 
Gradually she developed a great tendency to stoutness, and 
it was probably a result of this that the Grand Duchess 
Sylvie was called a phlegmatic woman. 

Miss Use von Dienheim, to the great astonishment of 
everyone, did not accompany her as court lady to the new 
home, but for a whole winter yawned away an idle exist- 
ence at home, until one day she fractured her hip by a fall 
from her horse, and was for a long time confined to a 
hospital. 

When she at length recovered, she surprised society by 
marrying the physician who cured her, and as he possessed 
neither title nor means, they vanished entirely from the 
fashionable world. 


The Wild Rose. 


281 


Countess Aosta coquetted for a long time with Prince 
Detleff in vain, until she at length resolved to give her little 
hand to an old ambassador and notorious man of the world, 
who, evil tongues said, did not fully know how to appreciate 
it. At present she lives in a foreign country. 

Baron Reuenstein, the former chamberlain, has fared the 
best. His breast is richly decorated, his back still bends 
elastically, the end still justifies the means with him. He 
even hopes to become tutor to the two sons of Franz Egin- 
hard, who quite surprisingly married. The Baron is an 
ideal courtier. Many assert that he is false, and trust him 
no further than they can see him, but — well, people are 
deceived sometimes. 

The pastor’s family of children increase continually, and 
are Aunt Renate’s and Uncle Bernd’s only consolation, as 
they are now left solitary and alone at Gross-Stauffen, so 
much the more as his Excellency has joined the young 
couple, where two remarkably beautiful little grandchil- 
dren, petted and indulged in every way, form the sunshine 
of his life. 

Aunt Renate grows impatient in her old age, and can 
scarcely wait for the May breezes to blow and the first green 
leaves to appear ; then the yellow chaise takes her each day 
to Lehrbach, where she superintends airing, scrubbing, and 
beating to her heart’s content. For when the sun shines in 
through the open windows, the wandering birds fly home, 
and the dearest of all to her are those who make their cosey 
nests in Lehrbach. 

Uncle Bernd nods and rubs his hands with pleasure. 

Make it very comfortable, Renate, so that we can keep 
Phine here a long time; it is always too short for me, scarcely 
a few months, when Gunther calls to the saddle.” 

And the Freiherr thoughtfully blows a cloud of smoke, 


282 


The Wild Rose. 


and for four weeks ahead, each day goes into the forest to 
shoot some game for the meal which is to be their welcome 
home. 

Some years ago, I walked through the magnificent exhibi- 
tion rooms of the Imperial Academy of Art in the metropo- 
lis. Among the many masterpieces, one picture particularly 
held my attention. A crowd of admirers were pressed 
around it. 

It was quite a large painting, whose subject was as pecu- 
liar as the execution. Upon a pile of hay, at the edge of 
the road, lay a girl, watching some geese, who surrounded 
her in the drollest poses. A gray waterproof was wrapped 
about her, golden sunlight fell upon her blonde hair and 
sweet charming face. 

‘‘ Aha ! by Count Lehrbach ! ” said a man’s deep voice 
behind me. Superb, masterly ! — and what a speaking 
likeness ! The blonde beauty is his wife, whom you see in 
most of his pictures. An ideal face ! — By heavens, the man 
is right; when he is not ashamed to write his full aristocratic 
name beneath his works, he is a splendid artist. What is 
the name of the picture ? What number is it ? I will look 
in the catalogue.” 

A few leaves were hastily turned. 

Here it is ! — No. 589, Count Lehrbach, ‘ Gooseherd 
Liesel ’ ! ” 



WORTHIXCJTOW COMPAI\Y’S 


CATALOGUE 

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NEW EDITION, NEW PLATES. 

ALICE ADVENTURES IN WONDER- 
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Above are the most charming fairy tales of the 19th Century. Exquisitely amusing, deliciously 
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AYTOUN. — Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers. By 
Wm. E. Aytoun, late Prof, of Literature and 
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BAILEY, PHILIP ]KWRS.—Festus : A Poem. 

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I 


BURTON (Dr, J. Hill). — The Book Hunter, with 
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Burton’s “Book Hunter” is indispensable to every owner of a library'; it will be found of 
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The Outcome of a Visit to the United States. By 
Sir George Campbell, M.P. Being a Bird’s-eye 
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For Little Folks. Containing The Six Swans, 
Little Hunch - Back, Hop - O - My Thumb, 
Blanch and Rosalind, Dummling and the Toad, 


2 


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CRAIG’S DICTIONARY.— A Pronouncing Die- 
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“ Every one ought to own a dictionary,” and the low price at which we offer this edition 

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HAND; or, The Science of Modern Palmistry, 
with some Account of the Gypsies. Numerous 
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and Anecdotes. Edited by Rev. R. Newton, D.D. 
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DANA (R. H., Jr.). Two Years Before the Mast, i 
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DUFFERIN. — Letters from High Latitudes. A 
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Authorized edition. With portrait and several illus- 
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The titled author has given us in this work a narrative of a voyage replete with incident in the 
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ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING’S 

POEMS. — The most satisfactory American edi- 
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4 



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I. GERTRUDE’S MARRIAGE. By 

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3. TWO DAUGHTERS OF ONE 

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4. DORA, the Major’s Daughter. By 

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5. WIVES OF MEN OF GENIUS. 

By Alphonse Daudet. 

6. HENRIETTE; or, A Corsican 

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16. ADVENTURES ON THE MOS- 
aUITO SHORE. By E. G. Squier. 

17 . A BRAVE WOMAN. By E.MARLITT. 

18. THE RECTOR OF ST. LUKE’S. 

By Marie Bernhard. 

19. COLUMBIA : A Story of the Dis- 
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Musick. 

20. MISJUDGED. By W. Heimburg, 

21. A MAIDEN’S CHOICE. By W. 

Heimburg. 


The Rose Library. 


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cover, 50 cents each. 


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Camille Debans. Translated by Leon 
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2. ASBEIN. From the Life of a Vir- 

tuoso. By Ossip Schubin. Translated by 
Elise L. Laihrop. A Musical Novel. 

3. A RUSSIAN COUNTRY HOUSE. 

By Carl Detlef. 'translated by Mrs. 
J. W. Davis. Fully illustrated. 


4. ONE OF CLEOPATRA’S NIGHTS, 

and other Fantastic Romances. 

By 'Pheophile Gautier. Translated by 
Lafcadio Hearn. 

5. WAS IT LOVE. By Paul Bourget. 

6. BORIS LENSKY. By Ossip Schubin. 

7. HER PLAYTHINGS, MEN. By 

Mabei, Esmonde Cahill. 

8. JENNY’S ORDEAL. By Leon de 

Tinseau. 

9. ASMODEUS ; or. The Devil upon 

Two Sticks. By Le Sage. 



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i2ino, paper, 50 cents each. 


1. BY PIKE AND DYKE. A tale of 

the rise ot the Dutch Kepublic. By G. A. 
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2. A BOY’S HISTORY OF THE 

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